The NRL has issued a notice of intent to cancel the registration of Wests Tigers player Tim Simona.
The notice reportedly purports to breaches of the NRL’s gambling rules, which prohibit players from placing bets on NRL matches.
Simona won’t be allowed to play or train with his club side until the matter is resolved.
The centre will be allowed to respond to the allegations before a ruling is made.
The 25-year-old has played 79 NRL games to date, registering 110 points and 27 tries in the process. His temporary disqualification comes as a blow to the Tigers, who are just two weeks away from opening their 2017 campaign against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
The Tigers have struggled in recent seasons, with coach Jason Taylor already under intense scrutiny following his handling of Robbie Farah’s deteriorating situation at the club, followed by his exit.
Farah will face his former employers in Round 1 and should he show them what they’re missing, Taylor could be under yet more pressure.
“Wests Tigers have been made aware that player Tim Simona is currently under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit in regards to allegations of breaches of the rules relating to gambling on NRL matches,” Simona’s club said in regards to the allegations.
“The club will be making no further comment until the investigation is complete.”
It hasn’t been a pleasant few seasons for Wests, with the club having not finished in the NRL’s top eight since 2011. They finished 9th in the 2016 season, however, the absence of Simona will no doubt give further headaches to an already under pressure Jason Taylor.
terrence
Guest
Apologies, the police are now investigating.
terrence
Guest
Oingo living up to all of our expectations, prematurely ejaculating, once again with no understanding of the issue and source. Sadly this problem, for all those involved (fortunately, rarely in certain premature ejaculating situations involving another (living) human) is, at best, an ongoing issue, he may, one day, with help and therapy, potentially, overcome. Maybe. We hope.
terrence
Guest
I hope you are right patchy. Only allegations at the moment. But the tigers were very keen to offload him. No police investigation at this stage. Interesting what the NRL might have evidence wise. I suspect a lot as they wouldn't have deregistered him (which is not a good look publicity wise for the NRL , is it?) without potentially a whistleblower, phone records, cctv footage, betting records from those implicated (and associates), etc. But you, knowing Tim quite well, probably understand what's going on more than most.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think we need to remember that match fixing is the horrendous crime we're trying to prevent here. If Simona has been dumb enough to put a bet on s footy game, yes he should be stood down for a while but it shouldn't be a 20 week suspension or anything like that.
catcat
Roar Rookie
With all the gambling adverts he is bombarded with just doing his job I'd be blaming the NRL if I was him! Psychologist: Tim you need to avoid the temptation of gambling Tim: But I'm an NRL player
terrence
Guest
Maybe Timmy bet on that?
terrence
Guest
haha TB, I remember to days of the 7/2, 7/4, etc. on the bookies tote boards. From memory I think it was South Australian bookmakers who were first to move away from it to attract younger punters at the races. Then most other states followed. Jimmmmy: Can't blame a man for trying, papa needs a new pair if shoes.
duecer
Guest
Wasn't that in 2007? Do you think the rules for both sports on betting may have been a little laxer then? Does seem a bit harsh for only $20, but such is the pervasive nature of betting and number of players caught bending the rules in many sports that they really have to come down harsh.
Cathar Treize
Guest
Apparently involved a bet of $20? Too bad he wasn't Keiren Jack playing AFL. Seems the NRL is more serious than a lot of other sports.
Jacko
Guest
I wonder what the oddsare of Taylor being sacked or not re-signed
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah. Common misconception that 3/1 is the same as $3
northerner
Guest
It's on the NRL webpage. They wouldn't lie to us, would they?
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Was this initially reported on CNN or the Terrorgraph ? FAKE NEWS ALERT !!!!
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
*****Supercoach alert*****
kk
Roar Pro
He coulda got Eddie to put it on for him! Don't tell me.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Precisely Max. The good old days (casinos still do it) offer odds, plus your original stake returned on a win. In other words odds of 1/1 would provide a chance to double your money for any winning bet.
kk
Roar Pro
Fellas. 7/2 is now expressed as $4.50. That is $3.50 x $1.00
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Arrh the good old days :)
PatchMan
Guest
I know Tim' & he's not that sort of a person'..& doesn't need to gamble' & as he does a lot of work for Charity as well! I would be Very surprised if this is true' as this is not his nature to do such a thing'. I don't know where the NRL has gotten this information' but as I said' it is not in his nature to do such a thing!
Jimmmy
Guest
A lot of young blokes wouldn't know what 7/2 or 11/ 4 was TB. It was good for my mental arithmetic but now all $ 3.50 and $2.75.