The NRL said today it supported State Government legislation to protect the integrity of sport.
The General Manager of Integrity, Mr Nick Weeks, said it was imperative that fans can be confident in the integrity of the game.
He said that, under the new legislation, bookmakers will not be able to take bets on Rugby League unless they have entered an integrity agreement with the NRL.
Mr Weeks said this would give the NRL, and other sporting bodies, a greater say in the types of bets which were placed on their games.
"There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game," Mr Weeks said.
"We will work with the various betting agencies on the types of bets which are suitable for Rugby League.
"The betting agencies generally co-operate with the NRL by not offering bet types which may lend themselves to fraud or abuse.
"But this legislation will make it easier for us to veto any bet types which are not appropriate for our game.
"So we think the ultimate winners will be the members, players and fans of Rugby League who can be even more confident about the integrity of the game."
Mr Weeks said the legislation is an important step towards reaching a national policy on sports betting.
