NRL: Police called in for betting probe

The round 24 match between the Cowboys and Bulldogs is being investigated due to suspicious betting activity. Photo / Getty Images

The NRL has asked police to investigate suspicious betting activity in an Aug. 21 match between North Queensland and the Bulldogs.

"Clearly this is a matter that requires the most thorough investigation possible and we believe it is in everyone's interests for the police to be involved," NRL chief executive, David Gallop said Wednesday.

The move follows several days of investigation by the NRL and betting agencies of the unusually large number of bets placed on a penalty kick being the first scoring play of the match in round 24.

"We have informally shared with (police) the information that has been compiled to date and will continue to work with them to assist with any investigation that may result," Gallop said.

Betting agencies alerted the NRL when 95 percent of bets placed on the match were on North Queensland to kick a penalty as the first scoring play.

Bulldogs forward Ryan Tandy, who conceded an early penalty in the match, has denied any wrongdoing and the NRL has stressed it has not made any accusation against an individual.

Tandy fumbled the first play-the-ball of the game, then gave away a penalty in front of his own posts. Instead of kicking for goal, North Queensland took a tap kick and scored a try.

- AAP