Explosive courtroom documents obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed that the Melbourne Storm asked the NRL to "apply the blow torch" to Parramatta to release Zac Lomax.
A slew of documents released in the Supreme Court revealed that during a phone call between Storm chair Matt Tripp and Eels supremo Matthew Beach on January 13, that the Eels again rejected a $200,000 release fee.
“During the telephone call, Mr Tripp referred to the possibility of punitive steps being taken by the NRL against Parramatta Eels in relation to its salary cap if Parramatta Eels did not agree to the proposal being put forward by the Melbourne Storm,” according to a document the Eels tendered to the court.
“This assertion by the Melbourne Storm was intended or had the tendency to exert pressure on the Parramatta Eels in circumstances where the NRL had never communicated such a stance to the Parramatta Eels.”
It was further revealed that an alleged text from Storm CEO Justin Rodski to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo on January 21 was used to try and have the NRL pressure the Eels into a release.
“Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta [sic] to get this done.
Rodski added: “Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game.”
It's what we always suspected. The Storm trying to bully their way into a deal that would favour them. They should be expelled from the competition.
Replies
Common law tort: inducement to breach a contract, via threats.
Hello lawyers, can the Eels sue the Storm?
Let's get through the Supreme Court case first, then sue them for inducement to breach a contract. Where is BM when ya need him?
wondered that myself.
"Barman, where is my Bourbon?"
WOW!!!!!!
This is amazing. Hopefully the Judge now forces the Storm to join this case.
Discovery is always fascinating. You are required to give over everything. There is nowhere to hide.
Is it the Eels who have to sue the Storm to force them into the case (activating discovery provisions) or can the Judge independent view the Storm inducing a breach of contract as grounds to force the Storm to join the case?
If the judge finds sufficient evidence that the Storm are involved in key aspects of the case he can demand that the Storm are joined.
If we sue the Storm that becomes a separate case.
Thx Muttman. Seems sufficient evidence there of inducement? I take it inducement still applies when it's basically two third parties (Storm, NRL)?
If Storm or made to join the case, can the Judge make a damages finding (assuming evidence of etc)?
It's incredible this has been brought into daylight.
Our Club. Our badge. Arthur Moses SC. Hats off. Proud.
This is how you fight the good fight in the Shadow Wars. A modern day David and Goliath story.
Fairly or unfairly, there has long been a view among many fans, including myself, that Parramatta, the "nice guys", haven't always been treated fairly and on equal footing.
Gloves are off now.
Matt Tripp, Justin Rodski, PLV, Abdo and their relationships are now under real scrutiny. How does HQ/the ARLC manage this PR disaster? The bigger wheels, the broadcasters, wagering partners and other major stakeholders are likely to want to stabilise this PR disaster swiftly and not let it drag out in court. There is too much commercial risk.
Where to from here? Will there be calls for government intervention or an independent review? Will heads roll with sacrificial lambs and patsies? Will it be a soft or hard landing?
There is a lot more to play out than this court case. This is about far more than a court case. It has the potential to open a Pandora’s box commercially that will need to be handled carefully. Very carefully. Because this could be the tip of the iceberg, and potentially diving into uncharted waters, questioning the intregrity of the game at the highest levels.
Exactly!! Other point to this convo between storm and nrl is, how the eff the storm felt comfi enough to talk like this to the games head honchos ??
The big clubs run the NRL. Simple.
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