1 Mar 2017

NRL life ban for Simona over bets?

10:11 am on 1 March 2017

The centre is being investigated by the league and NSW police over reported allegations he was involved in placing bets on opposition players.

Tim Simona of the Wests Tigers at the NRL Nines. 2015.

Tim Simona of the Wests Tigers at the NRL Nines. 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 25-year-old, who's stood down from playing and training, was issued with a notice to cancel his registration by the NRL last month.

The NRL forbids players placing bets on their own matches and News Corp Australia reports Simona's alleged indiscretions will cost him his NRL career.

The governing body has not revealed the allegations against Simona and refused to comment when contacted by AAP.

New Zealand-born Samoan international Simona reportedly faces allegations he organised bets on direct playing opponents to score tries against the Tigers.

The life ban would end Simona's career on 79 games after he made his debut with the club in 2011.

Last month, NRL boss Greenberg vowed to come down hard on anyone found in breach of the game's betting code.

Asked if he would hesitate to ban anyone for life, Greenberg said: "There are massive penalties in place for players that do the wrong thing and the integrity of the game is central to that.

"If and when we need to make some hard decisions, we'll make them."

-AAP