NSW Police to begin NRL investigation on Thursday
NRL players and officials will be interrogated by the NSW Crime Commission as soon as Thursday as investigations increase into alleged match-fixing.
NSW Police on Wednesday dropped a bombshell on the eve of the NRL finals when the state crime command's organised crime squad launched strike force Nuralda to determine whether any crimes had been committed.
The revelations come after the crime squad announced in June it had begun examining information into match-fixing claims, with up to three games reportedly to be investigated.
On Wednesday, the inquiry hit a new level.
"Police will work closely with the NSW Crime Commission, and have the full support of the NRL," a NSW police statement read.
"The investigation is expected to be protracted, with dozens of players, officials and members of the community expected to be interviewed in the coming months."
Those who don't speak to the commission can be jailed for up to six months.
"We are not going to pre-judge any person associated with the game while this process is underway," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"But I repeat my earlier warning that if any person is convicted of match fixing they will face a life ban from any involvement in rugby league."
An investigation was initially launched by the Organised Crime Squad earlier this year over suspicious betting activity in Manly's round seven loss to Parramatta this season.
As reported by 7news last month, the bet in question involves a wager of $18,000 for the Eels to give a way a 4.5 point start. They went on to win the game 22-10, with the punter collecting $41,000.
The NRL also confirmed in June they were reviewing Manly's losses to the Eels and South Sydney in 2015.
Controversial gambling figure Eddie Hayson who was reported to be a person of interest in the three suspicious games, says he welcomes the investigation as an opportunity to clear his name.
"I hope they go and get 300 of the best detectives they have and for as long as they need to and go through everything A to Z and finally clear all the innocent people that have been dragged into this mess," Hayson said.
"I would like anyone to go and dig up one game where I had a decent bet where anyone I know well has played poorly.
"Nothing involving me, not a single thing. Let me make it loud and clear."
NRL veteran Peter Wallace on Wednesday backed life bans for players convicted of match-fixing, while former NRL star Preston Campbell admitted he knocked back advances to cook games.
"I did, and there's other players that would've had people come to them, and say, kick the first field goal and we'll go halves," Campbell said.
"I think for a lot of people, if you’re very desperate, it’s very tempting.”
"I was never tempted. It's against the law."