Parramatta boss Paul Osborne has described as “ridiculous” rumours the NRL club is aware star signing Chris Sandow has a gambling problem.
Sandow will join the Eels from South Sydney on a four-year deal from 2012.
The Nine Network reported on Monday night Eels officials had signed the 22-year-old halfback with the knowledge he has issues with gambling.
“I’m not going to comment on it, it’s just ridiculous,” Osborne told AAP.
The report said one reason Sandow quit the inner city club for the Eels was to move away from major gambling venues.
The Star City Casino controversially became a major sponsor of the Rabbitohs this season.
The deal came despite club owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court previously taking an anti-gambling stance by seeking to remove poker machines from South Sydney Leagues Club.
At the time, Hollywood actor Crowe argued Star City’s merits as an entertainment venue.
Rumours have also circulated the Eels paid gambling debts for Sandow and it is understood Parramatta officials were aware of those rumours but strongly deny them.
Nine said Souths had denied instigating them.
South Sydney CEO Richardson said there were no residual issues with the Sandow signing.
“No, not a problem at all … he’s a Parramatta boy now,” Richardson said of Sandow.
When asked if there was any truth to the rumours about Sandow, Richardson said: “No, no truth to it.”
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