Hayson is embroiled in the controversy that led to the creation of Strike Force Nuralda, which is backed by the Crime Commission and NSW Police.

Hayson called a media-conference on Thursday to front questions related to his alleged involvement in match-fixing and his close relationship with NRL star Keiran Foran.

The investigation centres on three Manly games including Manly’s 20-8 loss to South Sydney in Round 16 2015, their 20-16 loss to Parramatta in Round 24 2015, and their 22-10 loss to Parramatta in Round 7 this year.

Foran played for Manly in 2015 before shifting to Parramatta this season.

He was subsequently released from his four-year $4.8 million contract on compassionate grounds.

Hayson said he was close to Foran but denied the match-fixing allegations.

“Kieran went through some difficult times this year,” Hayson said.

“If I wasn’t in his life, he probably wouldn’t be alive. I was just there to talk to him. I don’t want to talk too much about Kieran today.

“He’s on the road to recovery now. If I need to stay out of his life, I’m happy to do that.

“I have never been approached by the NRL of police to talk about match fixing.

“I have never fixed a match in my life. I have never bribed a player or attempted to interfere in any way with the sport. They are hurtful to my family and me. Yes, I like a beer and a punt. It would be un-Australian not to. I have been open and honest from the beginning.”

Hayson vehemently denied ever fixing a match or bribing players.

“I have never fixed a match in my life, never. I have never bribed a player or even attempted to interfere with the result of an NRL match or any other sport,” he said.