Parker not surprised by NRL match-fixing

Brisbane captain Corey Parker is not surprised by the NRL’s latest match-fixing scandal.

The 335-game veteran said the wealth of betting options meant he wasn’t even in disbelief on hearing the news that NSW Police were examining information regarding alleged fixing in two games from 2015.

“We’re in a world now where you can pretty much bet on two bull ants running up a wall,” Parker told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

“So to hear about the scandal so to speak, it wasn’t a surprise but a disappointment.”

Parker was also disheartened that rugby league would have another stain inflicted on it after the reports that Manly’s losses to South Sydney and Parramatta from last season were under the microscope.

And as revelations continue to emerge of criminals and gambling figures developing close associations of players within clubs, Parker said he had concerns for the mental welfare of any players who may have knowingly accepted money to manipulate the results of matches.

“Furthering from that where players minds are at mentally to think `OK, I’m in such a deep hole here that I think I’ve got to start betting on their (my) own games’ or they’re in positions that they need to start betting on games,” he said.

“Or outside influences – that’s probably more the alarming point.”

Controversial high-stakes punter Eddie Hayson has denied speculation linking him to allegations of match-fixing.

The latest allegations are the first since Canterbury forward Ryan Tandy was found guilty of attempting to fix a game in 2010 against North Queensland.

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