Bookmarkers have suspended betting on the NRL round one clash between Brisbane and South Sydney as speculation grows that the Broncos will be drawn into the cocaine scandal that has engulfed south-east Queensland sporting circles.
All the major betting agencies moved to shut down markets on next Thursday’s game at Suncorp Stadium with the NRL season set to kick off under a cloud of uncertainty.
There have been strong rumours the Broncos could be the next club in the firing line after crime authorities charged five Gold Coast Titans players in the past week.
Former Bronco and Gold Coast Suns AFL player Karmichael Hunt has also been stood down by the Queensland Reds Super Rugby team after he was arrested and charged last Friday.
Matt Jenkins of TAB Sport said it would be irresponsible to punters to allow bets to be placed on the game until more information is known.
“As this story develops we have decided to suspend betting until more news happens,” Jenkins told AAP.
“We don’t know how big this is going to be so it’s protecting the punters more than anything.”
Renegade
Guest
Gee I can't wait to see what QLDer's and Broncos fans have to say about this... For their sake and the players - i hope all the rumours are false.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I've been hearing a different club in a different code every day. Some of the rumours are pretty much "player x was once in a rugby training camp with Karmichael Hunt once upon a time." I've decided to ignore my mail and wait for actual facts. Or else by the time one of the rumours is true my head might explode thinking what if all the other ones are true. Officially and unofficially both the broncos and NRL admins are supremely confident the Brisbane rumours are just that. Although not a whole lot is coming out from the players which may be why the rumours have started doing the rounds.
paul
Guest
Ther all doin it
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Or is it for souths. I've heard about 3 players of them being looked at
Parrafan
Guest
Past and present players allegedly involved. Not good.
P.Marlowe
Guest
My optimism at the Broncos' prospects this season is sliding rapidly...
formeropenside
Guest
I am sure there are Indian websites where you can bet on that very thing.
marco
Guest
Uh Oh ! Not the bookies ! They might start taking bets on who will get charged next instead of who wins the opening game.
Kingcowboy
Guest
ha ha, that is what i thought, that is the biggest load of B.S ever.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
“We don’t know how big this is going to be so it’s protecting the punters more than anything.” I can guarantee, this has NOTHING to do with protecting the punters!