To ensure the integrity of both the current Parramatta Eels investigation and that of the NRL we have been reluctant to make running commentary on speculation which has been appearing in media reports in recent days.
In this instance it is necessary to respond to this morning’s reports to provide further context for Members and fans.
Last night the club forwarded the full minutes of the January 2014 Board meeting to the NRL to ensure the documents can be read in their full context.
We believe the minutes demonstrate a willingness to deal appropriately with the complex issues of sponsorship, registration of third-party payments and compliance with the salary cap.
They clearly indicate that the Head of Football Operations advised that it was important for any third-party agreements to be registered with the NRL as per the guidelines.
It also noted that the Board emphasised that there must be a clear difference between corporate partners and third-party providers.
They also discussed opportunities for legitimate options to identify third-party agreements and marquee player agreements as per the NRL’s guidelines.
It’s important to emphasis also that third party arrangements are legitimate when constructed in accordance with the NRL’s rules.
It is also important that the club and NRL investigation proceeds thoroughly and reaches its conclusions in due course.
The club looks forward to discussing this matter with the NRL as part of their investigation, and also including it as part of its own investigation.
