NSW police say they found evidence of NRL players providing insider information to gamblers as part of the now closed investigation into match-fixing in the sport.
While detectives are satisfied none of the four games they examined in 2015 and 2016 were rigged, they are concerned players illegally passed inside information on.
Such matters are considered summary offences under the Crimes Act, however, NSW laws don’t allow for individuals to be charged more than six months after the fact.
“We’ve got no doubt there was insider information being exchanged about players who were playing, injuries, who was feeling good and who was feeling bad,” Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said on Friday.
Police say their lengthy investigation revealed crime figures preying on vulnerable young players by building relationships with them after they had used drugs or prostitutes.
“We’ve seen throughout this investigation, we’ve seen players who have debts greater than their (playing) contracts,” Supt Cook said.
“Now that’s scary for them. And they need help.
“They are vulnerable. A lot of these players are young, they need good mentors. They need people to help them guide their way through cocaine use, for gambling.”
Police met with NRL executives on Tuesday to pass on the information but said no names of players involved would be provided.
“We’re not in a position to do that,” Supt Cook said.
“The legislation that we used to obtain the evidence prohibits us from giving that to any other third parties.
“It’s very sensitive information. It’s designed to protect reputations the integrity of investigations and there is no way we can provide that to the NRL.”
Instead, two detectives from the organised crime squad will speak with all NRL club CEOs and players to inform them of the danger of criminal figures.
It comes after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the lack of match-fixing was a “vote of confidence” but the sport would continue efforts to protect its integrity, including working with clubs and players on drug and gambling programs.
The aim was to “educate players on the need to make the right lifestyle choices”, he said in a statement.
During the course of the investigation by Strike Force Narulda, detectives interviewed more than 160 people, including current and past players, referees, club officials and professional punters.
They also executed 59 search warrants, gaining access to bank accounts, TAB accounts and phone data.
Police had been alerted to the possibility of match-fixing by unusual betting patterns on matches.
They also investigated the notion of point-shaving in matches. However, they also found no evidence it was actually occurring.
Manly chairman Scott Penn, whose club had reportedly been involved in matches investigated, said he was unsurprised to hear no matches had been manipulated.
“It’s very positive news to hear that the club has finally been cleared of the unsubstantiated allegations,” Penn said.