A promised payment to former Cronulla forward Chris Heighington was behind the club’s decision to self-report a potential salary cap breach to the NRL.

Fairfax Media can reveal that a proposed deal to Heighington, believed to be worth $50,000 from 2015, was the catalyst for the Sharks to open up their books to the governing body, resulting in the latest investigation.

In the spotlight: Chris Heighington, left, embraces former Sharks teammate Luke Lewis last Sunday. Credit:AAP

There is no suggestion that Heighington knew of the proposed payment or in any way acted improperly. There are even suggestions the third-party arrangement, which may not have been properly disclosed to head office, didn’t actually eventuate. Regardless, the Sharks could find themselves in strife for not declaring it at the time, as evidenced by the litany of unfulfilled TPA promises at Parramatta that resulted in hefty sanctions.

Heighington’s long-time manager, Wayne Beavis, said every TPA he ever did for his client during his Shire stint was disclosed to head office.