Clubs embroiled in police betting probe
POLICE have uncovered what they believe could be a raft of spot fixing, money laundering and illegal third-party payments during their investigation into alleged NRL match fixing.
One of the cash payments being investigated is as much as $300,000 and involves an NRL player.
It is understood police are now focused on NRL players betting on themselves in exotic markets.
Police suspect Manly may have breached salary cap rules involving at least one player, a development that has sparked another major investigation by the NRL’s integrity unit.
However, police are set to clear anyone of being involved in organised match fixing from the original Strike Force Nuralda investigation involving three Manly Sea Eagles matches in the 2015-16 seasons.
A senior source close to the investigation said there were now suggestions of betting irregularities in multiple matches involving a number of NRL teams in previous seasons.
Allegations of tax evasion and other potential criminal activities have also been raised.
Some players are alleged to have passed on inside information regarding team selection and injuries to punters.
It is understood some NRL players are co-operating with police, while others are reluctant to discuss the allegations.
More players from multiple clubs are expected to be interviewed in coming weeks.
The NRL has taken a tough stance against spot fixing involving former Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona, who was banned indefinitely earlier this year.
The Sea Eagles released a statement on Wednesday night saying they had not broken any rules.
“There are in fact no allegations that the club has been the subject of in relation to any components of the NRL salary cap or lower tier cap compliance,” the statement read.
“Quite the contrary, we recently had our 2017 midyear salary cap audit completed by the NRL in record time and without adjustment.
“The club remains the benchmark in relation to both salary cap and playing roster management at all levels across the NRL, something we remain immensely proud of.”
The NRL said it did not currently have any evidence of violations that would warrant disciplinary action, but a spokesman said “we are in constant dialogue with the police and will take action if it is warranted”.