THE Gold Coast Titans are in the centre of another controversy after a betting agency suspended its futures markets bets on the NRL fearing a bombshell scandal involving the club is about to unfold.
The decision from Sportsbet. com.au appears to be based on whether or not a Four Corners program -- that may not air -- will shed new information on the club.
All parties to the controversy are waiting to see if the NRL will make a statement tomorrow but in an unusual twist of events, all other betting agencies are going unchanged.
An NRL investigation last month of claims by Simcorp boss Alex Simpson in relation to Titans captain Scott Prince cleared the player of any wrongdoing.
It is unclear if the Four Corners program has re-hashed any of Mr Simpson's claims.
Sportsbet.com.au on Saturday morning cancelled premiership bets -- on the eventual 2010 grand final winner -- but the NRL, Titans and other agencies say rumours the agency have heard are unfounded and believe the suspension could be an overly cautious reaction to the Melbourne Storm controversy, or a media stunt.
Most betting agencies close all future markets, besides the premiership, over the weekend.
Sportsbet.com.au spokesman Ian Loughlin said the closure of its premiership futures bets were in addition to other futures, including wooden spoon, top four and top eight 'to the benefit of all parties'.
He said the agency was waiting on a response from the NRL in relation to 'any further investigation' of a possible salary cap breach at the Titans.
Mr Loughlin said he was also awaiting advice on whether the Melbourne Storm were disqualified from the competition or deemed last after their salary cap scandal.
"We don't want a repeat of what happened in the Storm," said Mr Loughlin.
"We look to the NRL for a directive on the matters.
"(The suspension will stand) until we are aware of what is going to transpire with any further investigation or possible loss of points."
It is believed the betting agency made the decision after hearing that ABC program Four Corners would air its investigation into NRL clubs on television tonight.
However, publicists for the program said tonight's screening was not related to the NRL.
An NRL spokesman said there was no substance to agency speculation of a potential bombshell involving the Titans.
Titans boss Michael Searle said any rumour of a Titans salary scandal was unfounded.
"If bookmakers know about an investigation before the NRL or we do, then that's a sad indictment on rugby league," he said.
Titans coach John Cartwright said he was unconcerned about reports the betting agency had suspended wagering on its NRL futures market.
It is believed sportsbet.com.au will request to talk to the NRL before it considers re-opening some of its futures bets tomorrow.
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