AusLeisure

Dozens of NRL players are expected to be questioned after the NSW Police announced that it has formed a strike force to investigate match-fixing in the competition.

The investigation follows a review of information into reported illicit gambling and match-fixing in the competition, with three games likely to come under particular scrutiny.

Earlier this year, the Organised Crime Squad confirmed it was investigating allegations of match-fixing in two NRL games from last year - a round 16 game between the Manly Sea Eagles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and a round 24 match between Manly and the Parramatta Eels.

More recently it was revealed an April 2016 game between Manly and the Parramatta Eels was also being investigated.

At the time, the NRL said it would "take whatever action is necessary to protect our game".

In a statement released today, the NRL said it would "support and provide any assistance requested by the police investigation into match fixing".

NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg repeated that there was no place in Rugby League for any person found to be involved in match fixing, explaining “we are not going to pre-judge any person associated with the game while this process is underway.

"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."

A statement from the NSW Police advised “Police will work closely with the NSW Crime Commission, and have the full support of the NRL. 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."

5th August 2016 - NSW POLICE INVESTIGATE FURTHER NRL MATCH-FIXING ALLEGATIONS

19th July 2016 - NSW GOVERNMENT SACKS PARRAMATTA EELS BOARD

17th June 2016 - NRL LEADERS TOLD OF 4% ATTENDANCE RISE THIS SEASON

2nd June 2016 - NSW POLICE TO INVESTIGATE NRL MATCH-FIXING ALLEGATIONS

9th May 2016 - AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION WARNS SPORTS ABOUT MATCH-FIXING AND DOPING RISKS

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