Sydney - Former Australian Test winger David Williams has been suspended for the rest of the season for betting on matches, the National Rugby League said Thursday.
Williams, who plays for Manly Sea Eagles and is known as the 'Wolfman', had also been putting money on games in which he was involved, the NRL said.
The 27-year-old was one of five players and several game officials suspended following an investigation by the NRL's integrity unit.
The NRL also punished Ethan Lowe (North Queensland) and lower graders Cody Nelson (Gold Coast) and Melbourne's Hymel Hunt and Slade Griffin with two game bans.
The league said the services of three casual game day officials had been terminated while nine others were suspended for the rest of the season for betting breaches.
NRL Chief Operating Officer Jim Doyle said an audit of betting records covering more than 1 500 registered players, officials and staff found no evidence of match-fixing.
“There is no suggestion of match-fixing or inappropriate conduct on the field by those involved, but the Integrity Unit is determined to protect the interests of all players, fans and members,” Doyle said.
Williams has played with Manly since 2008 and played in two Tests for Australia in 2008 and two State of Origin matches for New South Wales in 2009.
Doyle said the NRL also issued first and final warnings to 12 registered NRL players, staff and officials who placed small, isolated bets on rugby league matches.
None of the staff who received warnings were in senior roles or able to have any influence on the outcome of games, he said.
Doyle said under the league's new zero tolerance policy towards betting, every player from every club would be required to sign a document that they will comply with the NRL's betting rules.
Sapa-AFP