Bookmarkers have suspended betting on the NRL round one clash between Brisbane and South Sydney as speculation grows that the Broncos will be drawn into the cocaine scandal that has engulfed south-east Queensland sporting circles.

All the major betting agencies moved to shut down markets on next Thursday’s game at Suncorp Stadium with the NRL season set to kick off under a cloud of uncertainty.

There have been strong rumours the Broncos could be the next club in the firing line after crime authorities charged five Gold Coast Titans players in the past week.

Former Bronco and Gold Coast Suns AFL player Karmichael Hunt has also been stood down by the Queensland Reds Super Rugby team after he was arrested and charged last Friday.

Matt Jenkins of TAB Sport said it would be irresponsible to punters to allow bets to be placed on the game until more information is known.

“As this story develops we have decided to suspend betting until more news happens,” Jenkins told AAP.

“We don’t know how big this is going to be so it’s protecting the punters more than anything.”