Sea Eagles’ David Williams banned for rest of season and faces contract termination at Manly

DAVID Williams is likely to accept Manly’s push for him to play elsewhere in 2015 after he was suspended by the NRL for illegal betting.

Wolfman Pap

DAVID Williams’ season is over — and his colourful time with Manly appears to be up as well.

As the highest profile scalp to emerge from the NRL’s betting audit of 1500 registered players and officials, Williams is likely to accept Manly’s recent push for him to play elsewhere next year.

The NRL on Thursday rejected the winger’s plea to have his suspension reduced, outing him for the remainder of 2014 and handing down two-match bans to four other players who were found to have bet on games involving their teams: Ethan Lowe (Cowboys), Cody Nelson (Titans), Hymel hunt and Slade Griffin (Storm).

In addition, twelve casual game day officials — including lower grade touch judges — were either terminated or suspended for the rest of the season for illicit betting. Another dozen registered NRL players, staff and officials were also found to have bet on matches, but NRL Integrity Unit boss Jim Doyle said their wagering only warranted a reprimand. One of those players is also at Manly — back rower Daniel Harrison.

Williams was by far the most active of the 29 individuals who were identified, with dozens of illicit multi and stand-alone bets made across the past three seasons. Williams also appears to be one who bet on matches he played in, although Doyle stressed there was no evidence of match-fixing in any of the cases.

“It’s very clear that you can’t bet on rugby league and they’ve made mistakes,” Doyle said.

For Williams, the mistake could well be fatal to his future at the Sea Eagles. ‘The Wolfman’ signed a two-year extension at the end of 2013, but has been given permission to look elsewhere after being dropped to NSW Cup in May.

A former NSW Origin and Test cult hero, Williams made an inspiring return to form from a string of season-ending injuries — including a broken neck in 2011 — last season.

Then came his forgettable performance in Manly’s grand final loss to the Roosters, which sent him AWOL during the off-season.

The Cowboys’ Ethan Lowe has received a two-match ban for illegally placing bets on NRL matches.

Williams reported for pre-season training on time, but has been unable to recapture his best form and has subsequently fallen down Manly’s pecking order behind young speedsters Jorge Taufua, Peta Hiku and Clint Gutherson.

The breach is not enough to justify Manly terminating his contract. Sea Eagles officials were last night tight-lipped on their next move, focusing on Williams’ mental wellbeing.

David Williams at Manly training on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Hunter

Should Williams leave the club, there would appear to be plenty of options for his services. The Daily Telegraph has already spoken to one high-ranking Sydney club official who expressed a strong interest in throwing him a lifeline for 2015.

Future transgressors will find themselves in a similar position, with Doyle declaring that a “no tolerance policy” would now apply.

“If you are betting you will spend a long time on the sidelines or you will be sacked — no matter how small the bet,” he said.

NRL BETTING INVESTIGATION:

· More than 1,500 registered players, officials and staff audited

· 29 players, officials and staff found to have made illicit bets on rugby league.

· One player — Manly winger David Williams — banned for the rest of 2014 after betting on a number of matches, including several that he played in.

· Four players — Ethan Lowe (Cowboys), Cody Nelson (Titans), Hymel Hunt and Slade Griffin (Storm) — banned for two matches. All four bet on one game involving their respective clubs, but did not participate in that fixture.

· Three casual game day officials terminated and nine others suspended for betting breaches.

· The remaining 12 players, staff and officials were let off with warnings.

Originally published as Sea Eagles’ David Williams banned for rest of season and faces contract termination at Manly