THE man given the responsibility of rescuing the embattled Parramatta club is confident money will not be an issue at the Eels.
Max Donnelly, known for dealing with insolvency and chasing the assets of Christopher Skase and Robert Trimbole among others, said that his challenge was to get the NRL club’s house in order for the future after he was appointed as administrator by deputy premier Troy Grant.
“Financially, there is no suggestion of any issues at the club,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“The matter is to get proper governance at the Leagues Club and the football club going forward.”
Donnelly could maintain control of the club until the next scheduled board election in 2017, following a decision by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority that led to the sacking of the Parramatta Leagues Club board.
With close to 40 years experience in corporate advisory and litigation, the Ferrier Hodgson consultant boasts an impressive CV.
As well as handling the high profile bankruptcy cases of fugitives Skase, Trimbole and Dr Geoffrey Edelstein, Donnelly also handled the estate of mining magnate Lang Hancock, was the official liquidator of James Hardie Australia Finance and consulted on Macquarie Radio Network’s restructuring of radio stations 2GB and 2CH.
Along with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, Donnelly will assist in formulating the Eels’s initial approach to ll matters, including player recruitment and retention according to Grant.
“Whatever powers and responsibilities the directors had before that all rests with the single temporary administrator at this point in time, so he will co-opt or bring on people to help him,” Grant told Triple M on Tuesday.
“Max Donnelly immediately assumes the roles and responsibilities and powers and functions of the directors of the Parramatta Leagues Club,” Grant told Triple M on Tuesday.
“In effect because they are a common board, he does so for the Parramatta Rugby League Football Club.
“He will need to reach out and work with Todd Greenberg of the NRL in relation to the footy club matters and the running of the Eels.”
Potentially that role could include overseeing the return of Jarryd Hayne to the NRL, given the game’s governing body has already indicated they would like to see the NFL and Rugby Sevens convert return to the game as early as this season.
It is believed Kieran Foran’s exit has freed up the required salary cap space.
Hayne has long maintained he would prefer to return to Parramatta if he does come back to the 13-man game.
Meanwhile, the sweeping of the Eels board has been backed by club legends Mick Cronin and Peter Sterling, while Ray Price has argued for the power of the NRL team to be taken away from the Leagues Club.
Replies
Tim Tams are a real turn off. Get the good stuff. Choc Monte's forever.
It is interesting but, oh so typical, that first thing Donnelly mentions is the money. I hope that fact is recorded in history. That , however, is not the worst news of the day. Here, we have the State Government telling Donnelly that he needs to work with Greenberg in relation the footy club matters and the running of the Eels! Nothing could be worse. It gives Greenberg an unequal opportunity to destroy the Eels and substitute Canterbury as the team for West Sydney. Just why the State Government is involving itself in this matter is a concern for all Rugby League clubs. Money ,as always, is behind it.
Settle down Robert, a cup of tea, a bex and a good lie down is what you need, and also a valium. It should all turn out good in the long run.
Things that need to be done to move the club in the right direction are rathe obvious. I've no doubt the Administrator will be able to make those very obvious and necessary moves.
Has it been officially confirmed that Foran is gone???
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