The NRL say they won’t rush forward an announcement on their betting probe even though Manly star David Williams has been reported as one of the big-name players involved.
According to an NRL spokesperson, the integrity unit investigation is not yet complete and the game won’t react to what they say is “speculation”.
News Corp Australia on Wednesday named Sea Eagles winger Williams as one of those understood to have broken the code’s strict gambling guidelines.
Manly say they won’t comment until the NRL makes their announcement, however the club is understood to be disappointed that Williams’ name is so far being hung out to dry.
Some reports have indicated that the plan was to keep the names of most players involved in the probe confidential.
News Corp Australia also reported that a first grade Melbourne Storm player, but not Cameron Smith, Billy Slater or Cooper Cronk, is also set to be sanctioned by the NRL.
The report also claimed a prominent player from another Sydney club will be banned for six weeks for breaching the gambling guidelines.
There is no suggestion of match fixing in any of the instances the NRL are investigating, however players, managers, club employees and game officials are aware that they are strictly prohibited from betting on rugby league matches.
The NRL is expected to sanction a number of other players on Thursday for placing small bets on matches – often as little as $5 – following an audit by its integrity unit.
Late last month, the NRL said it had found no evidence of widespread involvement of players in betting on matches, with initial inquiries indicating there were less than eight players who might face penalties for breaches.
News Corp reported that the governing body are keen to wait until after the game’s State of Origin showpiece on Wednesday night.