Parramatta’s fine, points deduction confirmed by NRL

The NRL’s Integrity Unit had made preliminary findings that Parramatta had, since 2013, been operating a system created to exceed the salary cap without detection.

The Parramatta Eels have denied widespread reports that the Kiwis playmaker Kieran Foran has quit the Nationa Rugby League club.

The move follows revelations in The Daily Telegraph today of alleged new discussions in board meetings about rorting the salary cap that occurred as recently as February.

Five Parramatta officials, including chairman Steve Sharp, have also been banned from the game.

“There is nothing in those responses to warrant any change to the penalties that were originally imposed”.

However, the Eels released a statement later in the day, saying Foran is still with them.

The points differential from the first nine rounds will also be revoked.

“The $1 million fine will stand, with no suspended amount”.

The “Gang of Five” have had their registrations cancelled.

Yeah, it’s gone. So is the Auckland Nines title and the $370,000 prize money. There will be no official victor for 2016.

It is understood Foran, who was ruled out with the season with a shoulder injury, had again missed a scheduled medical appointment and was facing the prospect of another breach notice.

Greenberg expressed sympathy for the innocent parties in the debacle – the fans, coach Brad Arthur and the players.

The Eels were accused of breaking the salary cap in five of the past six years and being $570,000 over the cap this year before being forced to shed players.

“The Parramatta club now has one of the biggest decisions it has ever had to make in its 69 year history”.

“Or, they can take the lessons learned from this investigation and turn the Parramatta Eels into the powerhouse club they should be”.

Greenberg said he could not be more sympathetic for Eels fans, coach Brad Arthur and especially the players who have performed so well in hard circumstances this year.

As to why the NRL took more than two months to sort the final penalty out, after first flagging this exact set of punishments on May 3, Greenberg said the game wanted to be certain before coming down so heavily.

In particular, the NRL did not take lightly its decision to de-register a club legend like Steve Sharp, who had been a long time member of the Parramatta family. He said the NRL was ready to provide any resources and expertise needed by the club.

“We want to see a strong board and we will do all we can to facilitate that”.