Steve Matai denies phone seized by police, begins legal proceedings

MANLY Sea Eagles star Steve Matai has launched legal proceedings against media outlets that claimed his phone had been seized by police as part of investigations in to NRL match-fixing allegations.

MANLY Sea Eagles star Steve Matai has launched legal proceedings against media outlets that claimed his phone had been seized by police as part of investigations in to NRL match-fixing allegations.

Channel 7 and Fairfax reports made the claims this morning before a furious Matai released a statement via the club denying the reports.

“My phone has never been out of my possession and I have never been interviewed by police,” Matai said in the statement.

“I am humiliated by the baseless rumour and this is really upsetting for my family.

“I can’t believe my name has been thrown out there like this.”

Steve Matai has denied his phone was seized by police. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The club went on in the statement to say Matai was in possession of his phone when visited by Manly officials today.

Manly Sea Eagles chief executive officer Joe Kelly said the Sea Eagles would continue to support its players.

“Steve Matai is a life member who has played over 200 games for the club,” he said.

“Of course we will support such an icon of our club. He has given us no reason to do otherwise over 14 years of service.”

The reports today followed news on Wednesday that NSW Police had formed a strike force to investigate three Sea Eagles matches believed to be tainted by match-fixing.

Strike Force Nuralda will interrogate at least six of the game’s stars, with all facing jail if they refuse to co-operate.

There is no suggestion Matai is involved.

Police took the unprecedented move of issuing a warning off the back of unfavourable media coverage today.

Manly's Steve Matai has spent much of this season injured on the sidelines.

“NSW Police understands the public interest in respect to Strike Force Nuralda both in terms of the investigation of alleged organised crime activities and in respect to ensuring the integrity of sporting culture in NSW,” the statement read.

“The Organised Crime Squad cannot confirm any specific details of the matters being investigated.

“It is important that people, players and officials who may become part of this investigation are not wrongly accused or have their reputations unfairly tarnished on the basis of rumour.”

The allegations were first ­revealed by The Daily Telegraph in June and concern three NRL games: Manly’s 20-8 loss to South Sydney in Round 16 on June 26, 2015; their 20-16 defeat by Parramatta in Round 24 on August 23, 2015; and their 22-10 loss to Parramatta in Round 7 of this season, on April 14.

Originally published as Steve Matai denies phone seized by police, begins legal proceedings