The NRL say they won’t rush forward an announcement on their betting probe even though Manly star David Williams has been reported as one of the big-name players involved.
According to an NRL spokesperson, the integrity unit investigation is not yet complete and the game won’t react to what they say is “speculation”.
News Corp Australia on Wednesday named Sea Eagles winger Williams as one of those understood to have broken the code’s strict gambling guidelines.
Manly say they won’t comment until the NRL makes their announcement, however the club is understood to be disappointed that Williams’ name is so far being hung out to dry.
Some reports have indicated that the plan was to keep the names of most players involved in the probe confidential.
News Corp Australia also reported that a first grade Melbourne Storm player, but not Cameron Smith, Billy Slater or Cooper Cronk, is also set to be sanctioned by the NRL.
The report also claimed a prominent player from another Sydney club will be banned for six weeks for breaching the gambling guidelines.
There is no suggestion of match fixing in any of the instances the NRL are investigating, however players, managers, club employees and game officials are aware that they are strictly prohibited from betting on rugby league matches.
The NRL is expected to sanction a number of other players on Thursday for placing small bets on matches – often as little as $5 – following an audit by its integrity unit.
Late last month, the NRL said it had found no evidence of widespread involvement of players in betting on matches, with initial inquiries indicating there were less than eight players who might face penalties for breaches.
News Corp reported that the governing body are keen to wait until after the game’s State of Origin showpiece on Wednesday night.
Todd
Guest
You have that backwards Jay h. In those two matches, and for it to be "a bit sus", it would require either the Broncos or Roosters to have bet and then thrown the match to let Cronulla win in order to benefit from the large odds.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Once Williams' name was released, the NRL either had to come clean on everyone involved or state that Williams wasn't involved. If the NRL wanted to keep mum about further details, because of SOO they are completely in the wrong. Let's just hope as SOS said that no SOO players are involved.
twodogs
Guest
Let them have a small bet. One stipulation should be that they never bet against their own team. The NRL is in bed with gambling- it's plastered across picket fences, newspapers, tv and radio. They are hypocrites. What gets me is that the NRL state they have an 'integrity unit'. Gambling has no integrity whatsoever. The house always wins. If you are a threat to the house, you are punted relatively quickly.
bilbo
Guest
Was there any big bets taken on the result jay? Or are you just trolling,was brazil trying to lose by more then 5,did swans throw game against giants? Silly comment.
Jay h
Guest
What about last two weeks cronulla down by 20 points come back to win ! A bit sus ??? Club needs money in debt
Sean
Guest
Agreed. It won’t be a good look if a player involved in SoO is suspended days later. The NRL is talking tough on player behaviour and this is a chance to put words into action with what sounds like clear and wilful breaking of the rules, no matter how trivial the amounts of money.
SOS
Guest
If the player involved plays tonight, I believe that it seriously compromises the NRL's stance on the situation. I just hope that the player is already serving the suspension