New South Wales police have found no evidence of match-fixing in the National Rugby League at the conclusion of a two-year long investigation.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
However, they uncovered potential criminal offences relating to drug supply and money laundering that do not involve the NRL and these have been referred to the Organised Crime Squad.
As a result, senior police this week made recommendations to the NRL to ensure clubs and players are not exploited by organised crime.
"While detectives have not preferred criminal charges relating to these issues, their investigation highlighted activities and practices that are deemed as high-risk for the NRL," a police statement says.
During the course of the investigation by Strike Force Narulda, police 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 because of unusual betting patterns on matches.
They also investigated the notion of point-shaving in matches. However, they also found no evidence that it was actually occurring.
"The investigation also examined the practice of 'point shaving' -- where strong teams, or significant players within teams, who are expected to win by big margins, pull back to only win by small margins," police said.
"Investigators did not uncover evidence of this practice under Strike Force Nuralda."
