NRL: Bookies stop betting as Broncos rumours gain pace

The Broncos are introduced to the crowd during the Nines event at Aotea Square, Auckland in February. Photo / Chris Gorman

Some bookmakers have suspended betting on the NRL round one clash between Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney as speculation grows that the Broncos will be drawn into the cocaine scandal that has engulfed south-east Queensland sporting circles.

There have been strong rumours the Broncos could be the next club in the firing line after crime authorities charged five Gold Coast Titans players in the past week.

Former Bronco and Gold Coast Suns AFL player Karmichael Hunt has also been stood down by the Queensland Reds Super Rugby team after he was arrested and charged last Friday.

A Broncos spokesperson said the club had "no concerns" about the speculation. The Broncos play premiers Souths at Suncorp Stadium next Thursday with a crowd of up to 45,000 expected.

Matt Jenkins, of TAB Sport, said it would be irresponsible to punters to allow bets to be placed on the game until more information is known.

"As this story develops we have decided to suspend betting until more news happens," said Jenkins.

"We don't know how big this is going to be so it's protecting the punters more than anything."

Gerard Daffy, of TattsBet, said they were not closing their market on the game.

He said there was a lot of rumour and speculation but they had heard nothing concrete.

Meanwhile, the NRL's decision to take over the competition's embattled Gold Coast franchise could revive the club's bid to recruit Manly Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. Titans chairwoman Rebecca Frizelle told a Brisbane radio station she was "very hopeful" the club could secure Cherry-Evans.