Rugby stars face betting probe

Two of Rugby League's biggest stars were embroiled in a betting scandal today after claims they gambled thousands of pounds on their team to lose,

It is alleged that St Helens and Great Britain stars Sean Long and Martin Gleeson won almost £1,000 each by betting that Saints would lose to Bradford by at least nine points on Monday.

The bets were placed by phone on the players' own accounts with bookmaker Stan James on Easter Sunday, the day before the coach Ian Millward announced that 11 St Helens regulars would not play in the match, in which they were thrashed 54-8.

Both players won £1,909, including their original stakes, after placing wagers at odds of 10-11.

The Rugby League has promised to launch an immediate investigation.

Spokesman John Huxley said: "Betting is against our rules. We will investigate whether the players have a case to answer and we'll take whatever steps are needed." Half-back and goalkicker Long, one of the game's most high profile players, admitted the bet looked "dodgy" but said he had done it for a friend.

He said: "It was not my bet. I opened the account for my mate. He didn't have the money in his account so I just said I'd put the money on for him and, obviously, he'd give me the money of he lost and I would give him the money if he won."

Gleeson, 23, was unavailable for comment.