sport24h Manly Sea Eagles: NRL Integrity Unit to probe salary-cap dealings Sportivo

The NRL will probe allegations of historical salary cap breaches by at least one club, as Rugby League is dragged into yet another scandal.

According to Fairfax Media, the Sea Eagles are the subject of a police investigation relating to salary cap breaches in previous seasons, but other clubs could also come under the spotlight.

This evening, the NRL released a statement saying its Integrity Unit would investigate the accusations.

A spokesman stressed that, at this stage, the NRL is not in possession of evidence of any violations which would warrant any disciplinary action.

"However, we are in constant dialogue with the police and will take action if it is warranted," the spokesman said.

According to the report, the New South Wales Organised Crime Squad has evidence suggesting secret salary top-up payments have been made to players by several clubs.

In a statement, the Sea Eagles said they were the NRL's "benchmark" for salary-cap management.

"The club doesn't answer or respond to unsubstantiated rumours but is fiercely protective of its reputation in the sporting and business world," the statement read.

"There are in fact no allegations that the club has been the subject of in relation to any components of the NRL salary cap or lower tier cap compliance.

"Quite the contrary, we recently had our 2017 mid-year salary cap audit completed by the NRL in record time and without adjustment."

NSW Police said their investigations were being assisted by the state's Crime Commission.

"The investigation will continue for as long as necessary in order to comprehensively explore all lines of inquiry," a police spokesperson said.

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