'Gang of Five' officials should be shown respect: Mannah

Parramatta's 'Gang of Five' officials should be shown respect and given the chance to defend the allegations made against them, says Eels skipper Tim Mannah.Eels chairman Steve Sharp, chief executive John Boulous, head of football Daniel Anderson, deputy chairman Tom Issa and director Peter Serrao will return to the NSW Supreme Court on Monday as they challenge the legality of the suspensions handed down to them by the NRL.AdvertisementRespect:Parramatta captain Tim Mannah.Respect:Parramatta captain Tim Mannah.Photo: Cameron SpencerThe NRL says the quintet are key figures in the Eels' alleged salary cap rorting that blew out their player talent spend by $3 million since 2013.Mannah said at Eels training on Sunday the five officials should be afforded the chance to defend themselves."These guys are human as well, they deserve a bit of respect and to be given the benefit of doubt until the findings are handed down," Mannah said."It is easy for you or I to point the finger and say what we think is going wrong but unless we have all the details and know exactly what happened there is no real point in us commentating (further)."When you are in their position it is a lot harder because they obviously know a lot more than we do."Mannah said players had been addressed by members of the club's embattled board since NRL CEO Todd Greenberg informed them of the provisional sanctions laid against the Eels on Tuesday over allegations of salary cap indiscretions.Those sanctions include the loss of all 12 competitions points they have earned this season, a $1 million fine and the deregistration of the 'Gang of Five'.Parramatta have until June 3 to respond to the breach notice they were given on Tuesday.It is expected the NRL will make their final decision on the matter two weeks after that.Mannah said the experience has only served to bring the Eels closer."It is disappointing and gut wrenching but there is not that much we can do about it, all we can do is focus on playing good footy," he said."The boys have reacted really well and the solidarity we have shown through the whole thing has galvanised us and brought us closer together."It is not ideal but it is the cards we have been dealt. I am really confident we have a group here that can deal with this adversity very well."Parramatta play South Sydney on Friday night in their first match since the NRL's provisional sanctions were handed down."Obviously it is going to be a big game, we are really excited about it," Mannah said.http://m.smh.com.au/rugby-league/parramatta-eels/parramatta-salary-cap-scandal-show-gang-of-five-some-respect-says-eels-captain-tim-mannah-20160508-gop2av.html

"If you are going to do that better off just keeping him in Cup as a break glass option. Unless he is that much of a cancer and that negative to the squad that he needs to go."

Replies

Tom Laios May 8, 2016 at 1:21pm

Good on you,Timmy.Nice to see a balanced response.I admit to having my emotions toyed with after each announcement. But as more details emerge,things are not quite what they seem.Curiouser and curiouser?

Everyone deserves their view to be respected and heard.I am reserving judgement until all facts are presented and responded too.More speed and less haste.
- FME > Tom Laios May 8, 2016 at 2:09pm
  
  x2
Fuuuuuui May 8, 2016 at 1:21pm

...But SMH will still refer to them as the 'Gang Of Five'.
macybrown May 8, 2016 at 1:29pm

Absofcknlutely Tim!
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 8, 2016 at 1:37pm

Hehe - more and more people coming out and publicly opposing the NRL's high handed tactics.
- Lighti3 > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 8, 2016 at 3:05pm
  
  They are currently writing an addenda titled " Humble pie " with a self administered discipline kit. Early stages with definitions such as "guilt" "trial by media" "witch hunt" and " death ride" still being debated.
Yobz May 8, 2016 at 1:38pm

...but are you going to play Timmy?
Parrakeet May 8, 2016 at 1:49pm

So who is coming out Col and are we talking about the same thing.
- Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" > Parrakeet May 8, 2016 at 3:32pm
  
  Snake was talking of coming out Keet - but then he found out EVERYONE already knew so he didn't bother.
Peter Kay May 8, 2016 at 2:32pm

Well said Tim. Respectful and sensible.