Veteran Manly centre Steve Matai has denied reports 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.

“My phone has never been out of my possession and I have never been interviewed by police,” said Matai in a statement.

“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.”

Manly CEO Joe Kelly said the Sea Eagles would continue to support its players.

“Steve Matai is a Life Member who has played over 200 games for the Club. Of course we will support such an icon of our Club. He has given us no reason to do otherwise over 14 years of service,” Kelly said.

Meanwhile, Matai’s former Manly coach Des Hasler, who coached the Kiwis international to the 2008 and 2011 NRL premierships, linked the match-fixing allegations to the proliferation of sports betting.

“I think match fixing is a part of sport full stop, not just rugby league,” Hasler said.

“It is across all sport, not just here in Australia but across the world.

“Of course they are allegations and it will be interesting to see how the government agencies react to the whole betting on sport.”

NSW police have ramped up their probe this week, establishing Strike Force Nuralda, with detectives expected to interview dozens of players, officials and others as they work in conjunction with the NSW Crime Commission.

Initial reports had suspicions raised over three matches involving Manly: one against South Sydney and another against Parramatta last year and a clash with Parramatta this year.

However, News Corp Australia reported that the strike force had now asked betting agencies to reveal every gambling transaction on every market for Sea Eagles games in 2015 and 2016.

Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn has claimed Manly is a victim of “guilt by innuendo”, revealing the club was yet to be contacted by police.

“We are concerned about the way in which the club brand has been tarnished by speculation,” Penn said.

“It is guilt by innuendo.

Manly is a victim of “guilt by innuendo”: Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn. Photo: AAP.

“We have reached out to (the police) and literally had one conversation and they said we will get back to you when we are ready.”

Fairfax Media also reported that corporate bookmaker Ladbrokes rejected a $30,000 deposit into former Manly and Parramatta playmaker Kieran Foran’s betting account this year.

It’s reported that the organisation had grown concerned about the negative publicity regarding Foran’s gambling habits and believed the deposit was out of character for the then Eels’ captain’s account.