ESL Rocked by Betting Scandal

Two of the biggest names in British rugby league are under investigation over alleged claims they put money on their team to lose.

St Helens and Great Britain stars Sean Long and Martin Gleeson are alleged to have won $2,500 from a Gibraltar-based firm after betting Saints would lose to Bradford by at least nine points on Monday.

The controversial match saw 11 St Helens regulars pull out of the televised Super League clash and Saints were thrashed 54-8.

Rugby Football League spokesman John Huxley told the League Correspondent: "Betting is against our rules. We will investigate whether the players have a case to answer and we'll take whatever steps are necessary."

Halfback Long 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 would give me the money if he lost and I would give him the money if he won."

Long, 27, would have won more than his six caps for Great Britain if he had not been plagued by injury.

Gleeson, 23, has won five caps. The centre's family emigrated to Australia when he was 10 and he learned the game in Brisbane.

Long missed the Bradford match but Gleeson did play and even scored his side's opening try.