The National Rugby League is reported to have blocked a bookmaker making direct payments to Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello as part of a sponsorship deal.
, Rugby League Week says the Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce told the magazine the club wanted a bookmaking firm to employ Minichello in exchange for a $50,000 marquee player position.
But the NRL chief executive David Gallop has put a stop to the move.
Gallop says they're uncomfortable with individual players are paid to endorse a particular betting agency,
Minichiello is off contract at the end of the season and out for three months with an ankle injury.