The professional punter was forced to deny allegations he fixed three NRL matches after police announced they were launching a strike force to investigate the matters.
Speaking to Ben Fordham on 2GB on Wednesday afternoon Hayson said he welcomed the investigation and that he had nothing to hide.
When asked if he had placed bets on the matches in question, Hayson said he did not recall doing so.
One of the games under scrutiny is the round 16 clash between Manly and Souths in 2015. It’s alleged that Hayson placed a bet that South Sydney would win by more than eight points. In the end, the Sea Eagles lost the match 20-8.
The Rabbitohs beat the Sea Eagles 20-8 in round 16 of 2015.
“I don’t believe I had one dollar on that game. If I did it would have been minor ... $20,000 or $30,000.”
Hayson also denied he had placed a wager on the other matches under investigation and welcomed the probe into the allegations that he described as“laughable”.
He also said he is yet to be questioned by the police or the Crime Commission but is willing to assist the investigation.
“Nobody has been near me,” he said.
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“I haven’t been asked any questions because there is nothing to ask me.
“I welcome the investigation and I hope they do a thorough investigation and everyone getting harassed ... will be cleared once and for all.
“Cops got sold a big lemon here and the cops then sold the journos a big lemon.”
The former brothel owner, who is friends with many NRL players, said he doesn’t believe players would be involved in fixing matches because their clubs mean too much to them.
“They’re too proud of their clubs,” he said.
“They would never do that. The players I know love their clubs.
On Wednesday police announced Strike Force Nuralda will investigate matters to determine if any criminal offences have been committed.
In a statement, NSW Police said the investigation would look into “dozens of players, officials, and members of the community.”
They are expected to be interviewed in the coming months.
Eddie Hayson.
The NRL said it would fully support the investigation and provide any assistance required.
NRL chief executive officer Todd Greenberg also said there was no room in the game for any person found to be involved in match-fixing.
“We are not going to pre-judge any person associated with the game while this process is under way,” Mr Greenberg said.
“But I repeat my earlier warning that if any person is convicted of match fixing they will face a life ban from any involvement in Rugby League.”
In June, the NRL confirmed the State’s Organised Crime Squad was examining allegations into match-fixing.
It’s understood the matches under investigation are Manly v Souths in round 16 and Manly v Parramatta in round 24 of last year. The Sea Eagles lost both of those games.
Also under investigation is the Parramatta v Manly game from round seven of this season.
Kieran Foran, his brother Liam and Eddie Hayson become embroiled in the controversy after a bet of $18,000 was placed on Parramatta to beat Manly by five points or more just moments before the clash at Brookvale Oval.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 12401175ce
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