NRL match-fixing: NSW Organised Crime Squad investigating

NRL boss Todd Greenberg says players will be rubbed out of the game for life if found guilty of match-fixing. There is no suggestion any players pictured here were involved.

• Match report: Manly v South Sydney, round 16 2015

• Match report: Manly v Parramatta, round 24 2015

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg says players will be rubbed out of the game for life if found guilty of match-fixing following bombshell revelations by the Daily Telegraph today.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the State’s Organised Crime Squad is looking at least two suspicious games from last year.

“The Organised Crime Squad is in the early stages of examining information to alleged match fixing in the NRL,” a police spokeswoman confirmed to the Daily Telegraph.

Last year’s round 16 match between Manly and Souths is under investigation. There is no suggestion any players pictured here were involved. Picture: Getty Images

“No further comment is appropriate at this stage.”

It is understood the games under investigation are Manly v Souths round 16 last year and Manly v Parramatta round 24 last year. Manly lost both games 20-8 and 20-16 respectively.

The NRL said today it was co-operating with authorities in relation to information regarding allegations of match fixing and Greenberg has vowed to inflict the toughest penalties possible for any player or official involved in match-fixing.

His threat come amid revelations former brother owner Eddie Hayson has been linked to the police investigation.

In an email sent to all 16 club chief executives this morning, Greenberg issued a powerful message of zero tolerance, explaining that the game’s integrity was at risk as a result of a NSW Police investigation into possible match fixing wthin the NRL.

“The NSW Police have this morning made public comment that they are in the early stages of assessing information on possible match fixing within the NRL,’’ Greenberg wrote.

“The possibility of the existence of match fixing within our sport cuts to the core of our sport and our values.

“We will take whatever action is necessary to protect the integrity of our sport.’’

Greenberg provided further detail surrounding the investigation to all 16 club CEO’s during a 3pm phone hook-up this afternoon.

Todd Greenberg says players would be kicked out of the game if found guilty of match-fixing.

In the media conference following the hook-up Greenberg said there was no specific allegation as yet and warned against jumping to conclusions.

“But again, I want to state very clearly if, and at this point it is if, such an issue is proven, we will take whatever action is necessary to protect the game and to ensure that those who have damaged it play no part in it,” Greenberg added.

“This is a professional sport. We run the world’s best rugby league competition and our job is to protect and to promote our sport. We won’t stand for anyone compromising our sport. The police have our full support in taking whatever action will be necessary.

“I want everyone today involved in our sport at every level, whether professionally or at the grass roots, to understand that our job is to act for the sport and for the 99.9% of the men and women who contribute to our sport, who do so with passion, integrity and commitment and if some people are found to fail that threshold, then there is simply no place for them in this game and we will not hesitate to ban them for life.”

Manly’s round 24 match against Parramatta last year is also being looked at. There is no suggestion any players pictured here were involved. Picture: Getty Images

In a statement the Rugby League Players Association stated it was committed to working with authorities, the NRL and clubs to protect the best interests of the game and players in the wake of allegations of match-fixing.

“The RLPA is concerned about any suggestion of conduct detrimental to the integrity of the game,” the statement said.

“It is important people respect the presumption of innocence principle and avoid prejudgement and speculation in relation to any allegations subject to the police process.”

TThe dinner that led to a warning for Corey Norman, James Segeyaro and Junior Paulo. There is no suggestion any of the players have been involved in match fixing. Picture: Instagram

More NRL players are also expected to be issued with warnings against consorting with convicted criminals as police grow increasingly concerned about underworld figures infiltrating major sporting codes with the ­intention of match fixing.

The Organised Crime Squad is close to finalising additional warnings after Parramatta duo Corey Norman and Junior Paulo and Penrith’s James Segeyaro were issued notices last week. There is no suggestion the men were engaged in or intended to engage in match fixing.

There is a growing concern among senior Organised Crime Squad detectives that the NRL has already been infiltrated and clubs are in denial.

Detective Inspector Wayne Walpole, in charge of the state’s charter against organised crime infiltrating sport, said the infiltration had happened.

“I’m not saying corruption or match fixing has happened, but I’m saying the infiltration is there and that infiltration can lead to the compromise of the sports of the athlete,” he said.

If these new allegeations prove true this won’t be the first time the NRL has become embroiled in a match-fixing scandal.

Former Bulldogs player Ryan Tandy was convicted in 2011 of trying to fix a 2010 match between his side and the Cowboys.

Tandy was fined $4000 and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond, the magistrate presiding over the case saying he was clearly involved in a plan to make money off the first scoring play of the game.

Originally published as NRL match-fixing: NSW Organised Crime Squad investigating