Manly release statement saying they have had no contact from the NRL or police over match-fixing

THE Manly Sea Eagles have spoken out over the NRL match-fixing scandal, saying they support the code’s stance against cheating but they have had no contact with NSW Police or the NRL over any 2015 matches.

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THE Manly Sea Eagles have spoken out over the NRL match-fixing scandal, saying they support the code’s stance against cheating but they have had no contact with NSW Police or the NRL over any 2015 matches.

The embattled club released a statement this morning following Daily Telegraph revelations that the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad was investigating Manly’s 2015 round 16 and 24 matches against the Rabbitohs and Eels respectively for alleged match-fixing.

Manly’s 20-8 loss to South Sydney in June, 2015, and their 20-16 defeat to Parramatta in August are at heart of the inquiry.

Manly CEO Joe Kelly with chairman Scott Penn. Picture: Bradley Hunter

Up to six NRL players are being investigated for allegedly receiving $50,000 each to throw a match last season, with one million dollars invested in one game.

Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn and CEO Joe Kelly released a joint statement this morning.

“The Sea Eagles fully support the strong stance by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg that any player found guilty of match-fixing be banned for life,” the statement read.

“We will continue to support our players 100 per cent and give them the presumption of innocence — particularly against unfair mainstream and social media innuendo.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and openly communicate with members, corporate partners and supporters if any further information comes to hand.

“Meanwhile, we will concentrate on winning football games starting with Canberra in Canberra tonight.”

Match report: Manly v South Sydney, round 16 2015

Match report: Manly v Parramatta, round 24 2015

The allegations.

The club statement also emphatically stated:

-”It values the integrity of Rugby League above all else and will ensure full co-operation is provided to any investigation.

-”It has had no contact from the NSW Police or NSW Organised Crime Squad with respect to the alleged match-fixing in the NRL.

-”It is bitterly disappointed that the club’s hard-earned 70-year reputation for fair play has been unfairly tarnished by imputations raised by some media outlets involving two Sea Eagles matches last season, albeit there is presently no formal investigation.”

Manly's Brett Stewart after the 2015 Round 24 loss against he Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval / Picture Gregg Porteous (There is no suggestion that Stewart is involved with match fixing)

The man alleged to be at the focal point of police investigations is former brothel owner Eddie Hayson, who is understood to have had a part in outlaying $700,000 on Manly to lose by more than eight points to the Rabbitohs in the round 16 game.

A total of $300,000 was then allegedly paid to six players, $50,000 each, to facilitate the fix. While reports suggested a jockey was asked to place some of the bets on Hayson’s behalf, when contacted by The Daily Telegraph Hayson vigorously denied any wrongdoing.

Eddie Hayson had denied any wrongdoing in the NRL match fixing scandal.

Mr Greenberg yesterday said the code would offer “full support” to the police in their investigation.

“This is a professional sport,” Mr Greenberg said.

“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 NSW police have our full support in taking whatever action will be necessary.”