Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Parramatta Lord Mayor Paul Garrard has slammed the NRL over what he calls a "savage" directive lacking procedural fairness.
The NRL's Integrity Unit handed down its preliminary findings on Tuesday morning in a report that accused the club of systematic salary cap rorting, dating back to at least 2013.
Mr Garrard, who is on Parramatta Rugby League Club's board of directors, said he believes the allegations refer to the actions of previous board members.
"What is the system? I haven't seen any system there," Mr Garrard said.
He said the report "reads like a movie script" with reliance on what he called "subjective allegations".
"Ironically it was people who disgraced the club in their time here who have given evidence [to the NRL].
"The people involved in this nonsense are clearly not with the club anymore, and they've got a lot to answer for."
The NRL claims the club will need to wipe $570,000 from its budget to be compliant with the 2016 salary cap.
Mr Garrard said he believes the current Parramatta Eels squad is within the 2016 cap, speculating whether the figure was a cumulative total from previous seasons before his time on the board.
He likened the report to a jigsaw puzzle and said the club still does not know the specifics of the allegations against them.
On Tuesday night the Supreme Court of NSW issued an injunction against the NRL, which will permit the directors and officers of the club to carry out their duties until a hearing next week.
"The board was left exposed. We have 100 employees needing direction every day," Mr Garrard said.
"This will give us time to get appropriate personnel in to run the club, get a team on the field, and analyse the documents provided to us."
Mr Garrard said he believes all accusations of wrongdoing date back to actions of previous board members.
"I can't comment on the board before my arrival but the present members are very conscious of the salary cap. We had a rogue CEO in Scott Seward and I think it took the board two months to remove him."
Mr Garrard said Parramatta prides itself on being a community club, and an NRL recommendation to bring in three independent directors by August would impact that negatively.
"It's no secret the NRL likes clubs controlled by individuals not members. The more say they have, the better.
"The way they've handled it is a kick in the guts to the fans, the players and the sponsors.
Mr Garrard said he does believe any wrongdoing should receive appropriate punishment.
