Police set up investigation into NRL match-fixing

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

SYDNEY (AP) New South Wales state police have launched an investigation into alleged match-fixing in Australia's National Rugby League.

NSW Police said Wednesday that players and officials are among dozens of people expected to be interviewed in the coming months, with police saying the ''strike force'' is likely to require ''protracted'' investigations.

The NRL said it will support the investigation, with chief executive Todd Greenberg warning a ''life ban from any involvement in rugby league'' for anyone convicted of match-fixing.

In August, Australian media reported a seventh-round match this season between Manly and Parramatta was being investigated for suspicious betting activity. Parramatta scored three tries in the final 12 minutes to win 22-10.

Two matches from the 2015 NRL season are already under investigation, both involving Manly.