NSW police set to drop NRL match-fixing investigation

ONE of the NRL’s longest-running sagas is set to end within weeks as NSW Police prepare to close the book on the match-fixing investigation.

Former NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy was hired by Manly to investigate the match-fixing claims. Picture: Jenny Evans

ONE of the NRL’s longest-running sagas is set to end within weeks as NSW Police prepare to close the book on the match-fixing investigation.

The Australian understands NSW Police are likely to formally announce the end of the investigation without any charges being laid, removing at least one of the dark clouds hanging over the NRL and Sydney club Manly since last season.

At least two Sea Eagles games were at the centre of the investigation, which began amid what now appear to be erroneous claims that as many as six players had been paid $50,000 apiece to manipulate the outcome of the matches.

One of those was Manly’s game against South Sydney in June 2015, while the other was the club’s loss to Parramatta in August that year. However, it is understood NSW Police have uncovered no evidence of match fixing and charges will not be laid against any rugby league players,

Police set up Strike Force Nuralda to deal with the allegations, using the coercive powers of the NSW Crime Commission to carry out a wideranging and extensive investigation. It is understood players and officials were interviewed but the matter is now on the verge of being closed, with an announcement pending.

The news will be welcomed by Manly, who had to deal with damaging suggestions that some of their games were the subject of match fixing. The club conducted its own internal review, appointing former NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy to conduct a sweeping analysis of their own integrity measures.

It is understood a spin-off from that investigation prompted the current NRL inquiries into allegations of salary cap irregularities at the club. That investigation is continuing, although the Sea Eagles have strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

The Sea Eagles managed to overcome the murky speculation to qualify for the finals series under coach Trent Barrett, although their premiership campaign came to a rapid end when they were bundled out by Penrith.

The club did enjoy some success on grand final day when their under-20s side came back from the dead to win the final edition of the competition yesterday.

The under-20s will be disbanded at the end of the season as it reverts to a state-based competition.

The Sea Eagles recovered from a 14-0 deficit after just 14 minutes to stun the Eels.

After scores were levelled 14-14 early in the second half, the Eels held out wave after wave of Sea Eagles’ attack before they took the lead back in the 68th minute through winger Greg Leleisiuao.

But in what would be the last play of the game, Manly hooker Manase Fainu found prop Keith Titmuss, who crashed his way over next to the left post with two minutes on the clock.

Centre Tevita Funa then slotted the conversion as the full-time siren sounded to give Manly the lead for the only time in the match.

The NRL is also expected to close a number of outstanding issues in coming weeks, most notably the pay talks with the Rugby League Players Association.

Talks have been ongoing for close to a year but it is understood they are perilously close to finalising a new collective bargaining agreement to cover the next five years.

Players are set to receive a massive pay hike as a result, with the average wage going north of $300,000 and the salary cap set to hit $9.4 million.