Bookmakers had adjusted betting markets almost two hours before news of the Panthers axing of three of its backline stars for breaching team protocol emerged, with the NRL waiting to hear if there was any suspicious wagering on the clash against the Rabbitohs.

Fairfax Media understands some bookmakers had adjusted markets around 1.30pm on Tuesday – long before news of the dumping of skipper Matt Moylan, Waqa Blake and Peta Hiku had emerged on social media or news websites – with Penrith understandably big drifters.

Dumped: Matt Moylan was one of three Panthers dropped for breaking curfew. Credit:Getty Images

One agency wound out Penrith's price from $1.25 to $1.65 fearing Anthony Griffin's hard-nosed stance would increase the Rabbitohs' chance of an upset.

While there is no suggestion canny punters had traded on inside information and backed the struggling Rabbitohs for Friday night's clash at Pepper Stadium before the bombshell, it proves bookmakers were aware of the imminent announcement and manipulated markets accordingly.