Gambling not a problem - Gallop

NRL chief executive David Gallop says free counselling will be offered to Michael Sullivan after the Cronulla utility made the shock omission that he has been forced to consider a lucrative English deal to cover gambling debts.

Gallop says gambling is not a widespread problem in rugby league but admits the NRL is not immune. Barely 24 hours after his man of the match performance in the Sharks' win over Sydney Roosters, Sullivan admitted he looked set to take up a massive multi-year offer from Warrington next week due to a gambling addiction.

But Sullivan has backed away from an early claim that gambling is a widespread problem in the NRL.