The NRL will consider overhauling the way teams are announced to prevent the trading of inside information as part of sweeping reforms to protect the integrity of the code.
As revealed by Fairfax Media during the week, players and officials who pass on team changes or other sensitive information could have their their registrations terminated in the governing body's anti-gambling crackdown.
Team announcements are made on a Tuesday to fit in with a deadline for Big League, the game's official weekly program. However, coaches are not required to play the teams they name, and the sides that run out often bear little resemblance to the ones selected.
For instance, South Sydney made seven changes to their announced starting side an hour before kick-off for their recent clash with the Gold Coast. Luke Keary, who was not originally named, was the first try-scorer.
Late scratchings and inclusions can cause huge fluctuations in betting markets, making team information valuable to punters and bookies alike. The proliferation of fantasy football competitions also puts inside information at a premium.
Line betting can swing by as much as 10 points, as was often the case when Andrew Johns played for Newcastle, based on whether a player is in or out of a team.
The NRL is reviewing every aspect of the game exposed to betting but are yet to land on any changes. However, team lists come under that umbrella and the league is looking at whether there is scope for the teams to be announced and updated online by clubs, rather than being locked in early in the week.
The NFL uses a system in which teams are required to provide injury-status updates on players at various stages of the week.
“There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game,” an NRL spokesman said.
Betting on rugby league is a hot topic after Manly winger David Williams became the highest-profile player suspended for the season for the practice. The NRL has made it clear any other players busted faced the prospect of deregistration.
The ARL Commission is taking other steps to safeguard the sport. As part of its shake-up of club boards – which includes the addition of independent and possibly female directors – every person serving on a board will need to be registered by August 15.
A form sent to directors, alternate directors and company secretaries obtained by Fairfax Media requires that they are aware of and comply with the NRL's code of conduct.
This means directors agree to abide by the game's supplements, betting, anti-vilification, welfare and salary-cap policies.
"The integrity and compliance unit has been charged with developing a game-wide registration system for the purpose of ensuring greater awareness and knowledge of the people who work within NRL clubs and the broader rugby league community and the protection of the game as a whole," said integrity and compliance boss Nick Weeks in his letter to clubs.
