MANLY chairman Scott Penn has demanded his tarnished club be officially exonerated by police after match-fixing allegations against the Sea Eagles reached a stalemate.
The Daily Telegraph understands there is insufficient evidence to proceed with any criminal charges against Manly personnel for alleged match-fixing allegations during two games in 2015.
The Sea Eagles remain furious the club’s brand — and push for new sponsors — has been damaged during the controversial seven-month investigation.
The NSW Organised Crime Squad has been investigating Manly’s round 24 match against Parramatta and a round 16 game against Souths. The Sea Eagles lost both games.
It is expected the investigation will continue for the next four to six weeks as police exhaust every avenue of inquiry before announcing their findings.
“Proving match-fixing beyond a reasonable doubt is extremely difficult,’’ said a NSW police source.
“The fact it is still going is an indication that they want to make sure there is no suggestion that the allegations were not thoroughly investigated.”
Officially police will not comment on the likelihood of charges being laid, saying the matter was still active although it is known from the original investigation there were money trail irregularities which police are still pursuing.
Privately, players have banded together and spoken about possible legal action.
Penn said his club and fans deserved to be officially cleared by police.
“Something official would be prudent,” the club’s owner told The Daily Telegraph. “Coming out and saying the club has been investigated and there are no charges, no further action to be taken. That’s important for closure.
“The brand of this club has been unfairly tarnished without an opportunity to defend ourselves. We certainly had a very difficult year last year under these circumstances.
“We just want the matter resolved. That is what we have wanted all along. If there is something new, then let’s bring it out. If there isn’t anything there, let’s acknowledge there is nothing there and move on for our sponsors, members and key stakeholders, so they have comfort that we have nothing to worry about.”
From the outset of the investigation, Manly have taken a “put up or shut-up” stance.
“From our point of view, it has been an incredibly disappointing situation where there was limited transparency for the club,” Penn said.
“We were always fully co-operative and ready to engage with the authorities but that opportunity never arose. We just need to put the matter to rest now. It’s not about pointing fingers, it’s about moving on.”
Penn said he knew of no player, nor official, who was formally interviewed.
“Not that I’m aware of,” Penn said. “My understanding of the process is that anyone who was interviewed had to sign very strict confidentiality deeds which would preclude them from saying anything.
“I certainly wasn’t interviewed, and to the best of my knowledge, none of my management team was either. I don’t want to dwell on this. We have some great momentum heading into the 2017 season and some fantastic new sponsors on board. We have put it in the past.”
An NRL spokesman added: “It’s a police inquiry and we will co-operate with authorities.”
Manly’s focus is on the round one match against archrivals Parramatta on Sunday at Brookvale.
