NRL: Player's phone seized over match-fixing investigation - report

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has warned of life bans for match-fixing. Photo / photosport.nz

Police have seized the mobile phone of a top NRL player as part of their match-fixing probe, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported

New South Wales police have set up a task force named Nuralda which will interview "dozens of players and officials".

Police officers have visited corporate betting agencies in recent months looking through records of bets and deposits as they attempt to track a money trail involving suspicions around three NRL games over the past two seasons.

It is also believed they have obtained data from the foreign owners of local betting agencies.

"The NSW Police Force has launched an investigation following a review of information into reported cheating at gambling and match-fixing in the National Rugby League," a police media statement read on Wednesday.

"Detectives from the state crime command's organised crime squad have launched strike force Nuralda to investigate the matters and determine if any criminal offences have been committed."

The NRL has confirmed they will support the investigation, providing any required assistance.

"We are not going to pre-judge any person associated with the game while this process is underway," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

"But I repeat my earlier warning that if any person is convicted of match fixing they will face a life ban from any involvement in rugby league."

Reports in June linked two Manly games, one against South Sydney and the other Parramatta, to investigations.

A third Sea Eagles match, against Parramatta from this season, was later reportedly linked.
-AAP