10 Mar 2017

Simona deregistered by NRL

1:50 pm on 10 March 2017

Tim Simona has been deregistered by the NRL for a range of rule breaches, including betting against his team winning and on opposition players scoring against his team.

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 Wests Tigers centre also lied when interviewed by the NRL's integrity unit, bet on rugby league matches and didn't pass on jersey auction proceeds to charities.

"Based on the evidence we have identified it is very hard to imagine that Tim Simona will be registered with the NRL at any time in the future," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement.

The NRL has not released specific details of Simona's indiscretions.

But text messages sent by the 25-year-old indicated he knew his behaviour was in breach of the rules, Greenberg said.

"There is nothing more important than the integrity of our game," he said.

"Our fans have a right to expect that every player on every team is doing his best to win each game and we will be relentless in dealing with anyone who attempts to breach this trust.

"At the end of the day, he has deliberately flouted the laws of the game for his own gain and there is no place for him in the NRL."

Greenberg said Simona was remorseful and has been dealing with serious personal issues.

The investigation into Simona's actions, which also involves NSW police, led to him last month being stood down from playing and training.

-AAP