The NRL’s salary-cap probe into Manly has reached its first hurdle, with the club reportedly refusing to hand over personal laptops and phones to investigators.

Two days after the Sea Eagles had asked for evidence of illegal player payments, the club is believed to have provided only some information to cap auditors.

Fairfax Media claimed a senior Sea Eagles official – accused as the likely architect of the alleged top-ups by NSW police – has supported the club’s stance.

It is unclear if the NRL has the power to seize personal laptops and phones, and whether it could lead to sanctions from the governing body.

“Our lawyers are engaged in a discussion with Manly over the material they are seeking,” a NRL spokesman said on Friday.

A Manly spokesperson declined to speak on the matter.

“The NRL has advised us that this is a confidential investigation process, Accordingly, I am sure you understand the club is unable to comment on matters relating to the NRL investigation process,” the spokesperson said.

The development comes after Manly this week urged the NRL to hasten its investigation of alleged cap breaches for former and current Sea Eagles players.

Manly have maintained their innocence over the affair, with skipper Daly Cherry-Evans on Thursday insisting the saga is already damaging their reputation.

“And, if in the end we are proven to be innocent, then the damage is already done. As far as I know, we’re doing all the right things and we’re complying with the NRL,” Cherry-Evans said.

“We’ll continue to do our job as players and try and win football games. And front office are going to make sure that they do everything they can to get this club’s name cleared again.”