VETERAN Manly centre Steve Matai has furiously denied claims he had his mobile phone seized as police investigate allegations of match-fixing in the NRL.
Seven Network and Fairfax Media both reported on Friday that Matai’s phone had been taken by police.
On Friday afternoon the Sea Eagles released a statement that quoted Matai directly, and the former New Zealand representative expressed his anger at being named, categorically denying that he ever had his phone seized.
“My phone has never been out of my possession and I have never been interviewed by police,” Matai said.
“I am humiliated by the baseless rumour and this is really upsetting for my family.
“I can’t believe my name has been thrown out there like this.”