NRL: Tim Simona in more hot water over charity auctions

Tim Simona of the Wests Tigers beats a tackle against the Raiders at the NRL Auckland Nines. Photo/Photosport

The NRL is now investigating NZ-born Tim Simona's dealing with a charity and whether he failed to forward it money raised from auction items.

The 26-year-old is already facing a possible life ban over alleged gambling offences and has been stood down indefinitely.

The Wests Tigers centre this week faced the NRL integrity unit to respond to the charges, after being handed a notice to cancel his registration.

During his interview, he was also questioned about his dealings with a charity. An NRL spokesman said he was questioned about several social media posts relating to jerseys he was putting up for auction for the charity.

He is facing scrutiny over whether the money was delivered to the charity. The NRL integrity unit has't handed down its verdict and Simona is facing the prospect of being rubbed out of the game indefinitely.

He has reportedly been accused of placing small bets on opposition players.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has maintained the game must take a strong stance on betting violations and match fixing.

Channel Nine revealed that the NRL has asked Simona for details on the relationship between himself and the charity, and wants some transperancy on the trail of funds.

"The spotlight will be turned onto Tim Simona's relationship with at least one charity.

"Simona has been auctioning off items, such as jumpers and boots, with a view to raising money, but he is now being grilled by the NRL for his activities and, more specifically, about where the money raised from the items is going."

It's understood the NRL has grave concerns whether all the money has made its way to the charity. Nine has sought comment from each charity, but those attempts were not returned.

It's believed the latest details will further strengthen the NRL's case against Simona and he is expected to receive an 'indefinite' ban from the game.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Football League has closed the door on any possible chance of Simona salvaging his career in England.

There has been speculation Simona may be allowed to play in the Super League, where Todd Carney was handed a life-line after he was sacked by Cronulla in 2014, following his infamous bubbler incident and deregistered by the NRL.

However, an RFL official said no team would be permitted to sign a player serving a NRL ban and Simona's case is very different to that of Carney.

"Todd was never actually banned by the NRL," a RFL source told AAP. "He was deregistered and they [the NRL] just wanted him out, but there was no actual ban put in place to prevent him playing.

"But if a player is suspended or banned by the NRL, that would carry on into Super League."

That news would also scupper any potential chance of Ben Barba avoiding his 12-match suspension should his move to French rugby with Toulon fail to work out and he targets a return to league.

Barba, who tested positive for cocaine in the wake of Cronulla's grand final celebrations last year, jetted out for France last month, where his suspension was overlooked to allow him to play in the Top 14 competition.

"It's a hypothetical situation, as he is playing rugby, but he wouldn't be able to sign for any Super League team while he was under a ban," the source said.