Betting breach minor say Manly

Coach Geoff Toovey is disappointed Manly have been dragged into the NRL’s gambling probe but is confident the betting breach is not of a significant nature.

Sea Eagles winger David Williams is one high profile player who has been linked to the probe, but that is yet to be confirmed by the NRL.

Toovey admitted on Thursday Manly has been informed a Sea Eagles player is involved but said he couldn’t offer further comment until the NRL make a public statement on the issue, which is expected on Thursday or Friday.

“It is disappointing if the rules have been broken if they have been broken, but I don’t think it is anything major,” Toovey said.

“All the players are aware of their responsibilities and the rules, but I would be very surprised if there was any suggestion of match fixing going on, from what I am led to believe it is very minor and infrequent.

“There is only one (Manly) player I am aware of at the moment.

“Obviously the rumours are there and there is a player involved from the club, but I can’t say anything until the NRL comes out and make a statement which I wish they would hurry up and do.”

Former Australian and NSW winger Williams is on the outer at Brookvale.

He has been floundering in reserve grade since round 10, having played only seven NRL games this year.

In Manly’s last-start loss to Canterbury rookie Clinton Gutherson was preferred to the 27-year-old Williams in an injury-hit Sea Eagles side.

But Toovey said Williams’ demotion was related to form and was not in any way a disciplinary action, amid reports Williams could be suspended for the remainder of the NRL season.

“That has got nothing to do with it, that is rugby league and that is football,” Toovey said.

“Dave is alright, he is fine, there is a bit of speculation.