Parramatta is embroiled in another contract bungle that could cost them a representative star after failed third party payments left William Hopoate with a six-figure shortfall in his promised salary.
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The Eels are still reeling from the bungled negotiations with Kieran Foran, with the Manly star reconsidering his shift west after the club sought to change clauses in his $4.8 million contract. Officials are desperate to remove a provision which allows Foran to be paid $1 million for reputational damage should he walk out on the club at any time, with the parties hopeful of working towards a resolution. However, a clause allowing the Kiwi international to depart should coach Brad Arthur be sacked is expected to be part of the final contract that is rubber stamped by the NRL.
However, Hopoate's tenure at the blue and golds is far from resolved. His contract extension was considered a fait accompli, but Fairfax Media can reveal the NSW star is out of pocket after third-party sponsorships unravelled. Hopoate - whose initial two-year deal was for $750,000 per annum - was negotiating for a new contract of either one or three years. However, the TPA shortfall could scupper any chance of him staying put.
Hopoate was earmarked as the man to replace Jarryd Hayne at fullback, but his shift into the No.1 jersey was short lived. While his form in his customary centre position was also modest this year, it was enough to retain his place in the Blues' Origin shield defence against Queensland.
Losing Foran and Hopoate would be an unmitigated disaster for a club that could finish with a third wooden spoon in the space of four seasons.
The Eels have other dramas and will learn within the next week whether they will be starting next year's competition four points in arrears.
The Eels have responded to the NRL's breach notice for salary cap breaches in 2014, pushing back on aspects of the governance review they have been ordered to undertake. The embattled club has been fined $525,000 and faces the prospect of starting two wins behind the rest of the league in 2016 if it reoffends or does not comply with the governing body's directives. The point of conjecture is who will carry out the review - the Eels want to engage PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a company they have used previously to analyse and assess their business. However, the NRL wants to appoint an independent firm with no ties to Parramatta to ensure the frames of reference are sufficiently wide to ensure meaningful change will result.
The Eels believe the NRL is using the cap issue to impose its own 'independent' directors onto its board because the governing body doesn't have confidence in the personnel currently at management level.
The NRL - which already has an interest in the Gold Coast, Wests Tigers, Newcastle and St George Illawarra through either direct ownership, the appointment of directors or the loaning of monies - believes Parramatta should be a powerhouse in Australian sport. However, the seemingly endless drama and underperformance at one of its key clubs is a concern for head office. The Eels are playing a dangerous game by pushing back on the review, whose recommendations are meant to be implemented by the end of next February. They are already at risk of losing Foran and he will be less likely to commit should they begin next season behind their rivals.
The recent departure of CEO Scott Seward, coupled with the sacking of fellow staffer Jason Irvine, are the latest in a long list of upheavals at management level.
The NRL will make a determination on Parramatta's submission either late this week or early next week. If aggrieved by the decision, the Eels will have the option of going to the appeals tribunal to contest the findings.
