Cronulla Sharks' chief executive Tony Zappia is at breaking point but believes the team's sponsors will "remain solid" following the latest scandal to rock the club.

Back rower Reni Maitua has been stood down by the NRL for testing positive to a banned substance.

Maitua has exercised his right to have his second sample tested which will return a result in seven days, Zappia told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.

Until then, he is under provisional suspension by the NRL and has been stood down from all club commitments.

"Obviously, it's disappointing for Reni ... the club, the supporters, the players, corporate sponsors and all those people who are at home who support the Sharks," Mr Zappia said.

The revelation comes days after a 2002 group sex scandal, involving a then 19-year-old girl and up to a dozen former players and staff, was brought to light by the ABC program 4-Corners.

Mr Zappia said the string of events had personally brought him to breaking point.

"Personally, I don't think I can take any more," he said.

When asked how he was feeling, he said: "empty, frustration, anger".

"I feel for my wonderful family at home who continues to see me under these conditions."

When asked if this was the last straw with the club's sponsors, he said he assumed they would see the latest incident as an isolated case.

"I think we've got some very good sponsors, and I think that sponsors will see this in a separate way to past events and I think they will remain solid."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP