NRL boss Todd Greenberg sends players warning about who they choose to spend time with

NRL boss Todd Greenberg has warned players about the company they keep after the game has learnt a “number of lessons” following a police probe into match fixing.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg at the City Country launch at Rugby League Central ahead of the last City v Country clash in Mudgee on Sunday. pic Mark Evans

NRL boss Todd Greenberg has warned players about the company they keep after the game has learnt a “number of lessons” following police’s 24 month probe into alleged match fixing in the game.

Despite being cleared of match fixing police said they had “no doubt” players had provided inside information to punters allowing to bet on NRL games.

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Police also expressed concerns about players using illicit drugs and being lured into the criminal underworld by the offers of free sex.

Greenberg said the NRL had not been provided the names of players involved by the police.

“A lot of these challengers flow across our community,” Greenberg said in Melbourne.

“I’m pleased after a long period of time there are no charges.

“We’ve made some significant changes around the rules and regulations ... Players and officials inside of rugby league need to be very conscious of the company they keep and the people they hang around with.

“This investigation will hold us in good stead.

“When things play out very publicly we want those allegations and the substance of that information tested.”

Greenberg refused to criticise the police despite their findings overshadowing the start of the World Cup. Greenberg is in Melbourne to watch Australia player England.

“This is not my choosing, the timing today,” Greenberg said.

“Clearly if I had my own choice of timing I wouldn’t be doing it at the start of the World Cup. But I’m a realist and I understand the demands of police authorities in NSW and around the country. While I would prefer to be talking about the Rugby League World Cup today, I understand that some of these timings are out of our control.”

Originally published as NRL boss Todd Greenberg sends players warning about who they choose to spend time with