NRL: Officials probe betting blip

Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys. Photo / Getty Images

NRL officials could question players and call for TAB footage as they continue to probe a betting plunge on a low percentage option in last Saturday's NRL clash between North Queensland and Canterbury at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Bookmakers across the country shut down betting on the "first scoring option" after punters plunged heavily on a Cowboys penalty goal.

The Cowboys were awarded a close-range penalty in the opening minutes of the game but opted to take a quick tap rather than kick for goal.

The penalty goal option, which is not a popular one with punters, firmed from $13 into $3 before betting was suspended.

"It's now in the hands of what we call our regulatory and compliance section who have handed all the information on to the NRL," said TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie, the man who tipped officials off to the plunge late on Saturday afternoon.

"It's now out of our hands but it's certainly not a real good look."

NRL media and communications director John Brady said yesterday that investigations were ongoing, with the league in possession of some betting sheets provided by bookmakers.

Asked if players might be interviewed and security footage of people placing bets in TABs requested, Brady said: "All those things are possible."

Munsie alerted the NRL to the betting plunge a few hours before the game, which had no bearing on the finals.

He said that if the NRL asked for footage from TAB outlets, and it was available, the TAB would probably provide it.

"If there's footage there, we could provide it but I don't know if they've already asked for that or want it."

Munsie said bets on a Cowboys penalty being the first scoring play were placed in agencies in different states for three days.

"Whether that was people just following hunches, you don't know."

- AAP