Not directly Parra related although we do get a shout out. Whats everyone's thoughts on this?
The integrity of the NRL is under a cloud amid revelations that players from several clubs have taken secret benefits or cash payments in likely breach of salary cap rules.
The Manly Sea Eagles is suspected of breaching the salary cap via secret payments to at least one player in previous seasons, according to information gathered by NSW police and NRL officials.
Manly Sea Eagles is suspected of breaching the salary cap via secret payments to at least one player.
But it is understood Manly is not the only club under scrutiny, with the past behaviour of several other clubs also attracting police attention.
In revelations that pose a significant challenge for the NRL and chief executive Todd Greenberg, it is understood the NSW Organised Crime Squad has gathered evidence suggesting secret salary top-up payments have been made to players from several clubs. The information has emerged during an investigation into match fixing allegations.
An NRL insider told Fairfax Media detectives have not found evidence of an organised conspiracy involving players deliberately losing games. But detectives have information about intelligence being leaked by club insiders to punters, and, hidden player payments that may breach salary cap rules.
"It is systemic," said one witness who has been interviewed by police about his own role making undisclosed player payments at several clubs.
The NRL is facing a situation similar to that in 2014, when the Australian Crime Commission, using coercive interview powers, gained information from league insiders about doping issues. That information was passed, in a redacted form, to the NRL before the start of the 2013 season, allowing the league to launch an inquiry and take action.
The NSW Police Organised Crime Squad, which would not respond to questions citing its ongoing inquiry, is continuing to gather evidence mid-way through the NRL season.
It is understood police are yet to share detailed information with the NRL. This may partly be because several of the players and league figures who have given information to detectives have done so during confidential coercive examinations, which can not be released to non-police organisations such as the NRL. It means the NRL may never have access to information that could allow it to deal with cheats.
An NRL spokesman said league officials were "in regular dialogue with police on matters relating to the game".
"At this stage, we are not in possession of evidence of salary cap violations which would warrant any disciplinary action," the spokesman said.
"But we remain in contact with police and will take action if it is warranted."
One police witness, a businessman, has told investigators he made undisclosed cash payments to help a small number of clubs retain valuable players. Manly was not one of these clubs. But intelligence has also been gathered about a cash handover in a car park in connection to a former Manly player. A second former Manly player is also the subject of allegations involving undisclosed player payments.
Several well-placed sources also confirmed that both police and the NRL hold concerns about Manly's handling of third-party player payments, including the accuracy of club financial records and the possible failure to disclose payments as required by the league. Third-party player payments involve sponsors or club supporters providing benefits to players that are below a certain level and reported to the NRL as part of the management of a club's salary cap. One well known Manly identity is suspected of condoning behaviour that risked breaching the salary cap.
Making secret payments to players to top up their salaries may involve the criminal offences of fraud or secret commissions, while also breaching NRL salary cap rules.
Fairfax Media has spoken to a small number of sources who have given evidence to the NSW Organised Crime Squad, including during secretive coercive hearings. It is unlawful to discuss what is said in a hearing, so some sources have asked not to be named. Fairfax Media has also spoken to a NRL insider with knowledge of some of the issues facing the league.
The sources said Manly is suspected to have engaged in salary cap breaches similar to those undertaken by Paramatta, which saw the club lose 12 points, effectively ending its 2016 season.
In news that will relieve the NRL, several well placed sources also told Fairfax Media that the police match fixing inquiry has failed to find evidence of organised game rigging. No person wil be charged with any serious criminal offences linked directly to game rigging, although other charges involving fraud or money laundering may still be laid.
Here is a Statement from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
The Club doesn't answer or respond to unsubstantiated rumours but is fiercely protective of its reputation in the sporting and business world.
There are in fact no allegations that the Club has been the subject of in relation to any components of the NRL Salary Cap or lower tier cap compliance.
Quite the contrary we recently had our 2017 mid-year Salary Cap audit completed by the NRL in record time and without adjustment.
The Club remains the benchmark in relation to both Salary Cap & Playing Roster Management at all levels across the NRL, something we remain immensely proud of. This leading compliance position has been confirmed by the NRL over the past 3 years being the tenure of the current salary cap management team of the Club.
Replies
Who'd have thunk it, apart from Blind Freddie, certainly not Todd Greenberg. Good to see Kate McClymont is co-author of this report, might be more un-earthed???
Too many clubs involved, it will get swept under the carpet and the poor old eels will be the only team punished for this kind of breach.
I hate to say it but i think you might be right here HKF, but wouldnt it be poetic justice if manly went down here like us, their fans gave us plenty last year lol, it would be great to be able to give it back for the same offence.
Agree 100%. When they finished beating up on the Eels the NRL spoke of investigating the player managers but nothing ever happened and I say that there were too many involved and why it went nowhere.
I mean the door was opened when Kieron Foran said that he was owed money from Manly and considering legal action. Manly responded at the time saying that there was no contract covering the amount he claimed he was owed. That went quiet about the same time he split from the Eels.
Not surprisingly there was never any comment from the NRL on the matter. As HKF has said there are too many clubs involved. They did not go after the Broncos, they did not go after the player agents and they won't go after Manly here
would the punter be eddie maybe...?
would one of the players maybe someone who is plying his trade in nz then belmore...?
would one of the players maybe someone who "retired" due to injury but was "fit" enough to take the field in 2017?
this would all be coming from the raids on the agents not that long ago.
Hope they throw the book at them when its all confirmed
Those were my exact thoughts Da Rock. Time will tell I guess
"The sources said Manly is suspected to have engaged in salary cap breaches similar to those undertaken by Paramatta, which saw the club lose 12 points, effectively ending its 2016 season".
The NRL relied on tip offs to pursue Parra's transgressions. Lets see if the same scrutiny comes to bear on Manly now the NRL has a tip off.
"In news that will relieve the NRL, several well placed sources also told Fairfax Media that the police match fixing inquiry has failed to find evidence of organised game rigging".
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
Someone spotted the elephant in the room?
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