Long will play his final game for Saints in the Super League Grand Final

St Helens star Sean Long has clarified recent quotes attributed to him that suggested players are involved in illegal betting on rugby league games.

The 33-year-old was warned by the Rugby Football League he faced a misconduct charge if he knew of players betting and then did not give their names.

"I said I guessed it may still go on," he said in a statement.

"But I did also stress that I have not witnessed any other rugby league player placing a bet on the sport."

He added: "In fact, I do not know of any other instances of betting on the game in this way.

"In one of the interviews (with the Guardian newspaper on Tuesday), I simply made the point that I guessed if any player was going to do it, they would probably ask a friend to do it for them.

"But, as I said, I do not believe there is a problem with betting in rugby league.

"Some comments in these interviews have been misunderstood and misrepresented."

Long was banned in 2004 after betting on his own side to lose to Bradford.

The scandal rocked the sport, with Long and St Helens team-mate Martin Gleeson both suspended after admitting placing bets on Saints to lose their match with the Bulls at Odsal on Easter Monday.

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