“Wolfman” David Williams is among a list of players facing NRL suspensions for their involvement in a betting scandal.
News broke of a probe into betting allegations involving star players just hours out from Wednesday’s third State of Origin game and could result in players receiving a six-match suspension under the league’s strict gambling guidelines.
2008 premiership-winner Williams was revealed by News Corp to have placed multi-bets on AFL, rugby league and soccer matches from an iPhone app, however the Sea Eagle has not been accused of match-fixing.
Another Melbourne player is also reportedly facing a one-month ban for placing a $20 bet on first-grade action last season. Other bets involved in the probe are said to have been as little as $5.
The NRL is expected to make an announcement on Thursday, however current expectations would see only players involved in serious breaches of the league’s gambling code to receive suspensions while those guilty of lesser infringements are likely to escape public shaming.
NRL rules bar players, managers, club employees and game officials from any gambling activity related to rugby league.
The NRL rejected speculation last month that gambling activity was rife amongst athletes, at the time suggesting “fewer than eight players” faced penalties.
“Let me be clear that there is no suggestion of widespread abuse of betting rules or inappropriate conduct on the field related to betting,” NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said in late June.
“The integrity unit is looking into whether a small number of players have breached the code of conduct by placing small bets on rugby league games against our rules.
“If so, we will take appropriate action, which may include suspensions, to protect the interests of all players, fans and members.”
Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.
