Simona allegation made Greenberg ‘sick’
‘ I personally feel sick in the stomach
TIM Simona’ NRL deregistration may be just the beginning of his troubles as police investigate the actions of the disgraced footballer on a number of fronts.
The NZ-born player is facing the prospect of fraud charges following revelations he pocketed the majority of the proceeds of jerseys that were auctioned off for charity. One of the parties left out of pocket was Camp Quality, formed to help create better lives for children living with cancer. A spokesperson for the charity described Simona’s actions as a ‘‘very sad event’’ that could yet have further repercussions for the former Wests Tigers centre.
Simona’s NRL career is effectively over after he was busted placing A$600 worth of bets on rugby league matches, including on opposition teams and players. Those wagers, coupled with the pocketing of the proceeds of about 15 jerseys meant for fundraisers, could result in criminal charges.
‘‘Detectives from the GETTY IMAGES Organised Crime Squad continue to work closely with the NRL integrity unit on a number of matters,’’ according to a police statement.
Camp Quality has a longstanding relationship with rugby league, having been a major spon- sor of Canterbury. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg was the chief executive of the Bulldogs when the club established the partnership and he said revelations Simona was pocketing the funds made him feel ‘‘sick in the stomach.’’
‘‘Camp Quality is aware of the allegations that have been made regarding Tim Simona of Wests Tigers in relation to the reported collection of money to support our programs,’’ Camp Quality said in a statement.
‘‘We have investigated this matter and passed our findings onto the relevant authorities.
‘‘Community fundraising is vital for the continued running of our innovative programs and services for children 0-13 impacted by cancer, and we are grateful for the many individuals and groups who support us.
‘‘This very sad event serves as a reminder to the community that great fundraising starts with getting approval from the organisation that you would like to support. Fundraising for Camp Quality means working closely with us to ensure full transparency. ’’
Simona effectively threw away his NRL career away for the sake of bets that lost him $400. One of the wagers he placed was on former Tigers team-mate Benji Marshall to score a try in a match against the Dragons in round 20 last year. The Sun-Herald