NRL star embroiled in betting scandal

Tim Simona of the Tigers has been embroiled in a betting scandal. Photo / Getty

Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona is facing a ban after becoming embroiled in a betting scandal.

The NRL issued Simona with a notice to cancel his registration after he was alleged to have broken rules relating to gambling on the game.

Simona has the right to appeal but has been stood down from training and will not be allowed to play before the matter is finalised.

He was withdrawn from the Tigers squad for their final trial against North Queensland at Campbelltown on Friday night.

The governing body did not reveal the allegations against Simona.

The NRL betting code states "No NRL employee, NRL club employee, player, player manager or game official is allowed to participate, or be directly or indirectly involved in any way, in gambling in relation to rugby league.

"Or be involved directly or indirectly, in the provision of information not already in the public domain that might assist another person to gamble in relation to rugby league."

The Samoan international has played 79 games for the Tigers since making his debut in 2011.

He was recently linked with an immediate move to the Gold Coast as the Tigers face a battle to balance their salary cap this year.

In 2014, the NRL banned five players including Manly's David Williams and North Queensland's Ethan Lowe after they were found guilty of betting on games involving their clubs.

Then NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle promised a zero tolerance policy on betting and the governing body vowed to implement strict counter measures.