[Resurrected] Is the NRL competition rigged?

[vidmar]

In December 2021 the United Nations no less (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)) released the first ever global report on corruption in sport (you can read more and download it here

First-ever Global Report on Corruption in Sport flags urgent need for unified, international response to corrupt practices in sport

The report reveals the staggering scale, manifestation, and complexity of corruption and organized crime in sport at the global, regional, and national levels.

This is not a conspiracy theory by a guy wearing a tin foil hat and trolling from his mothers basement… this is a report developed in partnership with nearly 200 experts from across governments, sport organizations, the private sector, academia, and related stakeholders, it was described as the most in-depth review of its type to date when released.

Section one of the Executive Summary (https://www.unodc.org/res/safeguardingsport/grcs/22-03221_SPORTS_CORRUPTION_2021_Exec_Summary.pdf) makes specific mention of competition manipulation “Competition manipulation has become a significant problem in sport. Major evolutions in sport have made it more vulnerable to this type of corruption, with the risks becoming increasingly complex.”

Drilling down, the section on illegal betting and money laundering in sport betting makes interesting reading (https://www.unodc.org/res/safeguardingsport/grcs/9_22-03221_SPORTS_CORRUPTION_2021.pdf)

“International organizations, Governments and sports bodies are becoming increasingly aware of the scale of the problem of illegal betting and the money-laundering that it facilitates, and are taking action to address the issue and minimize the risks related to the activity”

The average amount wagered on NRL games each round in 2024 has been substantial, with industry estimates indicating that around $60 million is bet on NRL matches per round. This figure reflects both legal and regulated betting markets in Australia, including wagers placed through various bookmakers and betting platforms.

In 2024, betting companies are estimated to be paying the NRL around $50 million annually in sponsorships and advertising. This figure includes major deals with companies like Sportsbet, which is one of the league's most prominent sponsors. The substantial revenue from these partnerships plays a critical role in the league's financial ecosystem, supporting everything from grassroots initiatives to the professional competition. This financial relationship reflects the significant influence that betting companies have in sports sponsorships, particularly in markets like Australia where sports betting is highly popular.

If Australian sport has not been targeted and/or influenced by people with evil or illegal intentions then we should count ourselves very lucky (or naïve….)

Almost 12 months to the date that I posted this so, imagine my interest when I heard the "allegations" being made by police regarding a high profile NRL player.

That on the back of a story a couple of days ago - seach "Romania Football draw rigged".

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Almost 12 months to the date that I posted this so, imagine my interest when I heard the "allegations" being made by police regarding a high profile NRL player.

That on the back of a story a couple of days ago - seach "Romania Football draw rigged".

We know the betting agencies run the place ( and provide all the money ) so it certainly fits the mould.

 

[The '47ers]

Parra beating Easts to keep the interest alive for a few more clubs/weeks for the Top 8 is sus.

*I was at work and only saw the result.

 

[Brookie1973]

Almost 12 months to the date that I posted this so, imagine my interest when I heard the "allegations" being made by police regarding a high profile NRL player.

That on the back of a story a couple of days ago - seach "Romania Football draw rigged".

Certainly looked a tad sus.

 

[CRPSI eagle]

Six more, six more, six more! TRY TIME there is no way they could hold them out with all this pressure. Or let’s get them back into the game for couple try’s!
This game is rigged to the core, make no mistake.

 

[KNUCKLES]

Anything that involves money, you will find corruption shortly behind it. Yes I believe it is

 

[Nordburg]

For the “ill-informed” on here thinking the NRL is rigged,don’t you think very popular teams like the Broncos,Eels,Rabbits,Tigers and Dogs would have more than 6 premierships between them in the NRL era?

 

[eaglebuzz]

I can't see the wisdom in rigging the comp for Penrith to win four straight. But I do think games are massaged towards preferred outcomes from time to time.

 

[G-land Express]

For the “ill-informed” on here thinking the NRL is rigged,don’t you think very popular teams like the Broncos,Eels,Rabbits,Tigers and Dogs would have more than 6 premierships between them in the NRL era?

That would be too obvious. More coin to be made in short term fixes and those specialty bets they have.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

For the “ill-informed” on here thinking the NRL is rigged,don’t you think very popular teams like the Broncos,Eels,Rabbits,Tigers and Dogs would have more than 6 premierships between them in the NRL era?

They're all very popular?
Gee, I don't like them much

 

[MadMarcus]

For the “ill-informed” on here thinking the NRL is rigged,don’t you think very popular teams like the Broncos,Eels,Rabbits,Tigers and Dogs would have more than 6 premierships between them in the NRL era?

Tigers are lucky to have 6 wins in the NRL era

 

[Nordburg]

Tigers are lucky to have 6 wins in the NRL era

Very true,unfortunately they’re heading in the right direction a lot quicker than Manly

 

[CoreyWaddellSuperFan]

Parra beating Easts to keep the interest alive for a few more clubs/weeks for the Top 8 is sus.

*I was at work and only saw the result.

It almost kills me to say this, but Parramatta were magnificent

 

[vidmar]

For the “ill-informed” on here thinking the NRL is rigged,don’t you think very popular teams like the Broncos,Eels,Rabbits,Tigers and Dogs would have more than 6 premierships between them in the NRL era?

“Massaging” a game and its outcome to meet expectations of large illegal betting syndicates or organised crime gangs is more than likely.

There are many (many) cases proven and people convicted in multiple sports around the world – all very well documented

Search Hansie Cronje as one of the most high-profile cases… more recently Riku Danzaki, Kearyn Baccus & Clayton Lewis (A league) Andy Jenkins & Prakash Jiwa (Darts UK) and Shohely Akhter – Cricket (Bangladesh) who tried to fix a T20 World Cup game – it’s a “thing”….

To think Rugby League is unaffected would be naive I'd suggest...

If you're interested in learning more, try a listen to the pod cast “Crime Waves with Declan Hill”, which features interviews with experts, law enforcement figures, journalists, undercover investigators, and more, covering topics ranging from match-fixing to mafia cases

Interesting insight here too How soccer match-fixing actually works, according to a former player

In it's basic form, keeping a game "entertaining" (random on-field decisions, “weird” bunker calls, contentious (and multiple) 6 again’s etc) so people keep watching and sponsors/TV adverts get maximum eye balls on their logo’s and a better ROI doesn't translate to premierships but it keeps sponsors and TV execs (who basically bank roll the game) happy..

Certain teams being favoured in the draw and especially free to air viewing significantly helps their income stream (sponsorships) which in turn allows them to stay in business - without which there would be more "broke" clubs and no comp (See Perth Glory and Melbourne Rebels) - doesn’t equate to premierships but keeps the NRL comp “alive”

Just sayin'.....

 

[Pete W]

“Massaging” a game and its outcome to meet expectations of large illegal betting syndicates or organised crime gangs is more than likely.

There are many (many) cases proven and people convicted in multiple sports around the world – all very well documented

Search Hansie Cronje as one of the most high-profile cases… more recently Riku Danzaki, Kearyn Baccus & Clayton Lewis (A league) Andy Jenkins & Prakash Jiwa (Darts UK) and Shohely Akhter – Cricket (Bangladesh) who tried to fix a T20 World Cup game – it’s a “thing”….

To think Rugby League is unaffected would be naive I'd suggest...

If you're interested in learning more, try a listen to the pod cast “Crime Waves with Declan Hill”, which features interviews with experts, law enforcement figures, journalists, undercover investigators, and more, covering topics ranging from match-fixing to mafia cases

Interesting insight here too How soccer match-fixing actually works, according to a former player

In it's basic form, keeping a game "entertaining" (random on-field decisions, “weird” bunker calls, contentious (and multiple) 6 again’s etc) so people keep watching and sponsors/TV adverts get maximum eye balls on their logo’s and a better ROI doesn't translate to premierships but it keeps sponsors and TV execs (who basically bank roll the game) happy..

Certain teams being favoured in the draw and especially free to air viewing significantly helps their income stream (sponsorships) which in turn allows them to stay in business - without which there would be more "broke" clubs and no comp (See Perth Glory and Melbourne Rebels) - doesn’t equate to premierships but keeps the NRL comp “alive”

Just sayin'.....

Have to agree with this. Plus there is also the "salary cap" vs rich clubs being 'creative' in attracting the best possible line ups

 

[Brookie Bob]

Who owns the NRL? Narrowing of power to V'landys is a major concern for what was once the people's game​

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/08/26/who-owns-the-nrl-narrowing-of-power-to-vlandys-is-a-major-concern-for-what-was-once-the-peoples-game/

 

[Bearfax]

Almost 12 months to the date that I posted this so, imagine my interest when I heard the "allegations" being made by police regarding a high profile NRL player.

That on the back of a story a couple of days ago - seach "Romania Football draw rigged".

Vidmar, having worked as a parole officer for three and a half decades, I came across time and again the damage caused by gambling. Good people, mothers, young adults, people from all walks of life both wealthy and poor, getting caught up in habitual behaviour resulting from gambling, stealing hundreds of thousands to maintain their habit which governments do little about because of the money being earned by these practises,. Most of these people are not criminally oriented. They are usually good people in other regards. But the availability of various gambling outlets promoting the dream destroys these lives and often damages the victims who have had their finances stolen. Made me sick. I know Vidmar's focus is on the corruption inherent in the gambling industry, but only governments and the gambling industry as well as the criminal elements involved, gain from this abhorrent practise. Well presented Vidmar

 

[The Who]

Who owns the NRL? Narrowing of power to V'landys is a major concern for what was once the people's game​

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/08/26/who-owns-the-nrl-narrowing-of-power-to-vlandys-is-a-major-concern-for-what-was-once-the-peoples-game/

The top echelon of any sport -- The NRL, EPL, ARU, ACA etc. -- is where all the revenue is made, but administrators seem to overlook the fact that the grass roots -- junior clubs -- is the foundation. Without volunteers there would be no players; no sport. So why is there so little focus or financial support for junior clubs? Instead of allowing the elite sports people to get richer each year via higher salaries, put TV/sponsorship revenues into the lowest levels, particularly in regional areas.
A better-funded junior club will mean better coaching and better competition, and result in better players. It will also mean greater medical and financial help to those hundreds of thousands of players injured when playing sport for the love of it.
The NRL claims to be concerned about players suffering concussion, who would account for 0.01% of overall rugby league participants. How much help is the NRL giving to the amateur players?

 

[Buck]

That they have 'manufactured' the game in to a product & diluted the naturalness it once had, I think poses many of the questions being asked in this thread.

 

[Brookie1973]

Who owns the NRL? Narrowing of power to V'landys is a major concern for what was once the people's game​

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/08/26/who-owns-the-nrl-narrowing-of-power-to-vlandys-is-a-major-concern-for-what-was-once-the-peoples-game/

Interesting. Certainly seems to run contrary to what is generally considered best practice corporate governance. I think the more “centralised” V’landys model was considered necessary during COVID, but perhaps it’s time for a rethink.