Max Donnelly slams Tabakoff article

Dear Members

I am writing to you in relation to a media report this morning regarding allegations in relation to the Parramatta Eels salary cap compliance.

I want to assure Members and fans that the claims aired in the article are categorically untrue and have no substance or evidence to support them.

Since I was appointed as the Administrator of Parramatta Leagues Club in July 2016, the Parramatta National Rugby League Club (PNRL) has been fully compliant with the National Rugby League Salary Cap, as confirmed by the NRL on numerous occasions over the last two years.

The 2017 salary cap was audited by the NRL Salary Cap auditors and was proven to be compliant and in 2018 PNRL’s Salary Cap was subject to a recent mid-year audit by the NRL Salary Cap auditors and was proven to be compliant.

More specifically to the allegations regarding subsidised accommodation for players, for any apartments owned by Parra Leagues and occupied by a Parramatta Eels player, there is complete transparency with the NRL. The Club has provided the NRL Salary Cap auditors with all player payment reconciliations since 2016 and these reconciliations detail the amounts related to the use of an apartment.

The NRL has consistently reviewed the amount designated to be included in these player payment reconciliations and the NRL Salary Cap auditors have consistently advised over the last two years that they are comfortable with the amounts provided for any player’s use of any Parra Leagues -owned apartment occupied by a Parramatta Eels player.

Since July 2016, there has been numerous audits and reviews of the business undertaken by the National Rugby League, Liquor and Gaming NSW, the Australian Tax Office and Ernst & Young. None of these reviews and audits have found any impropriety in relation to the Eels salary cap compliance or highlighted the specific issues raised in today’s media.

While I accept that media has obligations in relation to public interest, I am nevertheless disappointed that the claims from a disgruntled former employee of Parra Leagues, who has no knowledge or involvement in the Eels salary cap process, has been aired without due process or the opportunity for the Club to provide its position.

Today we have had on-going dialogue with the NRL Integrity Unit and Salary Cap auditors and our discussions will continue. I am confident that there are no issues with our salary cap compliance.

I want thank Members for their continued support and will keep you up to date with any further developments.

Regards

Max Donnelly
Administrator, Parramatta Leagues Club
Director, Parramatta National Rugby Club Pty Limited (PNRL)

TL:DR Tabakoff's source had no knowledge of the Eels salary cap. The club has continuously ensured they are cap compliant with the NRL and continue to work with them regarding this. As far as Donnelly and club leadership are concerned, the article is baseless.

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Replies

Rise of an empire August 21, 2018 at 3:20pm

Yeah just read that on my email he confirmed exactly what I was thinking
HKF August 21, 2018 at 3:22pm

Beat me to it.
SuperEel 22 August 21, 2018 at 3:30pm

I like how much on the front foot Donnelly is on this. No sitting back, hoping it'll blow over. Puts the onus on Tabakoff to put up or shut up.
- This reply was deleted.
  - SuperEel 22 August 21, 2018 at 4:05pm
    
    Nah, he included a comment from Donnelly. Best case here is you don't poke the bear. If you want, request a retraction if the claims are false but don't go after them legally.
    - Vic > SuperEel 22 August 21, 2018 at 8:28pm
      
      Why not? Drag him through court and set an example to the rest of the b@stards! It doesnt really matter what the outcome is in court, its about the inconvience and stress.
  - Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" August 21, 2018 at 8:29pm
    
    Companies with more than 10 employees cannot sue for defamation.
    
    If Max, or Bernie or any other individual had been defamed they can sue both the journalist and the newspaper but must do it personally.
- Richard Jackson > SuperEel 22 August 21, 2018 at 4:17pm
  
  Sounds like Tabakoff's got "Dead mans hand," while Max is holding 4 ladies.
MeelK August 21, 2018 at 3:40pm

I got this email too. I note that he is very specific in talking about the salary cap position of the Eels, but there is no mention of the Leagues Club in this. I am interested in this side because Brett and others in the other blogs have raised the possibility of the Leagues Club doing something wrong by offering subsidised accommodation to Eels players, while not offering that to other members. At least it looks like the Eels are clean in this.
- SuperEel 22 > MeelK August 21, 2018 at 4:04pm
  
  The salary cap is the major claim from Tabakoff. He leads with it. It's not until you get past halfway that he even mentions there might be a legal issue with the club. That being said, a legal issue with the club does not impact the salary cap or player payments in this case.
  
  In other words, Tabakoff had better be ready to post a retraction on his claims.
- Longfin Eel > MeelK August 21, 2018 at 4:13pm
  
  It's all been verified by various financial auditors. This would be a basic thing for experienced auditors to pick up. I'd say Tabakoff has lost any credibility he had as a journalist.