The club’s former general manager was issued a court attendance notice last week and is expected to make his first appearance before Wollongong Local court on July 11. 

Mr Miles came under police scrutiny last month, after the club forwarded the results of an independent financial investigation to Wollongong detectives.

The Steelers enlisted a forensic accountant to probe its books early this year, when an audit in preparation for the clubs’ annual report exposed an alleged anomaly in its financials. 

“Among other things, the [forensic accountant’s] report details discovery of a discrepancy involving a significant amount of money,” a Steelers spokesman said, in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

“The board resolved to accept the detailed report and to immediately make it available to relevant authorities, including the NSW Police, as well as the club’s insurer and auditor.” 

Mr Miles parted ways with the club under a cloud in late-January. 

The Steelers confirmed on May 18 that the internal forensic investigation was complete.

The board met today and resolved to set its annual general meeting on June 30. The meeting had been postponed in light of the alleged anomaly. 

Wollongong detective inspector Brad Ainsworth confirmed the man at the centre of police inquiries now faced a charge of fraud. 

The allegations involve a “significant” amount of money, he added.