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The NRL could seize the phones of players and officials if there is evidence to suggest they began a smear campaign against Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold, although cybersecurity experts predict it will be almost impossible to pinpoint the source.
The development comes as Darren Lockyer emerged as a surprise ally in Tevita Pangai Junior's bid to remain at Red Hill.
Seibold has engaged European investigators to track down the origins of the malicious rumours that have gone viral. The former Souths coach is leaning towards pursuing criminal charges, rather than a defamation suit, in order to hold those responsible to account.
Seibold's lawyer, Dave Garratt, has stated there is at least a "90 per cent chance" of the perpetrators being identified amid suggestions someone with NRL links could be responsible.
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Should it be a player, coach or official, the NRL's integrity unit will launch its own probe. The governing body has the authority to seize phones and other electronic devices if it reasonably suspects that a code of conduct breach has occurred. If they conclude that a registered participant is behind the rumours, they are likely to be rubbed out of the game.
However, two cybersecurity experts have told the Herald it is unlikely the person who began the hate campaign will be identified.
Anthony Seibold is on the hunt for the source of vile rumours.Credit:Getty
"Finding the original source will be very difficult," Damien Manuel, the director of the Centre for Cyber Security Solutions at Deakin University, said.
"If somebody sent a text and then somebody copied ..
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