Cronulla Sharks players have allegedly received under-the-table payments from a security company sponsor, opening another battle front for the club at the centre of an investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency.

Fairfax Media has confirmed the Sharks have recently severed ties with the company E Group Security, which was a sponsor and provided security to the club, and replaced it with another security firm.

Denial: Cronulla Sharks Chairman Damian Irvine. Credit:Kate Geraghty

However, it has been alleged once the club realised the company, run by former rugby league player Sami Chamoun, had allegedly helped to top up the money for its star players outside the salary cap, the board went into panic mode.

The club informed the NRL's salary cap auditor when it became aware of the allegations, and the auditor is investigating the claims.