NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has confirmed the Parramatta Eels will lose 12 competition points and be fined $1 million for salary cap breaches.
Parramatta board members involved in the so-called “Gang of Five” have had their registrations cancelled for their role in the salary cap scandal.
The club’s points differential (for and against) from the first nine rounds has been revoked, and Parramatta has also been stripped of the 2016 Auckland Nines title.
The verdict comes 67 days after the NRL released preliminary findings, which proposed fines and sanctions following widespread salary cap breaches.
As a result of the 12-point deduction, Parramatta dropped from fourth place on the ladder (24 points) to as low as 12th (12 points), leaving them six points outside the top eight.
Timeline – Parramatta Eels Salary Cap Scandal
May 21, 2015
NRL CEO David Smith confirms a $525,000 fine for salary cap breaches in 2014. Smith stated the club’s governance had failed but acknowledged steps were being taken to improve systems at Parramatta.
March 13, 2016
Parramatta Eels CEO John Boulous confirms the club will assist in the NRL’s latest salary cap investigations.
May 3, 2016
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg releases preliminary findings, proposing the Eels be fined up to $1 million, docked 12 competition points, stripped of the 2016 Auckland Nines title, and have registrations cancelled for Steve Sharp, Tom Issa, Peter Serrao, John Boulous, and Daniel Anderson.
Eels officials win a Supreme Court injunction against NRL deregistration.
May 5, 2016
Ryan Morgan signs with the Melbourne Storm for the remainder of 2016. Anthony Watmough confirms he will retire to help the Eels return to salary cap compliance.
May 11, 2016
Nathan Peats becomes the highest-profile player casualty of the salary cap breach, departing the club to ensure compliance. He signs an 18-month deal with the Gold Coast Titans and later states he felt “let down by more than just the infamous Gang of Five.”
May 12, 2016
Parramatta becomes salary cap compliant after offloading players.
May 17, 2016
The Daily Telegraph reveals meeting tapes showing Eels board members were aware of the salary cap scheme.
May 19, 2016
Parramatta great Steve Sharp vows to clear his name following the scandal.
May 29, 2016
Junior Paulo is released from the Eels to join the Canberra Raiders immediately after breaching his NRL contract by playing rugby union earlier in the month.
Reports emerge that the “Gang of Five” are prepared to drop Supreme Court action against the NRL.
June 22, 2016
Michael Gordon signs with the Sydney Roosters for the 2017 season.
June 30, 2016
Tom Issa becomes the first “Gang of Five” member to resign from the Parramatta board.
July 9, 2016
The NRL imposes the following penalties:
- Parramatta Eels docked 12 competition points immediately
- All points differential (for and against) from the first nine rounds revoked
- Club fined the maximum penalty of $1 million
- Registrations cancelled for Steve Sharp, Tom Issa, Peter Serrao, John Boulous, and Daniel Anderson
- Stripped of the 2016 Auckland Nines title (no official winner declared)
Eels Run Home (Starting on 12 Points)
Panthers (A), Titans (A), Tigers (H), Sea Eagles (H), Broncos (A), Raiders (A), Dragons (H), Warriors (A)
Notable NRL Salary Cap Breaches
2016 – Parramatta Eels: Fined $1 million and deducted 12 competition points
2002 – Canterbury Bulldogs: Fined $500,000 and deducted 37 competition points
2005 – New Zealand Warriors: Fined $430,000 and deducted 4 competition points
2010 – Melbourne Storm: Stripped of 2007 and 2009 premierships, 2010 World Club Challenge titles, and forced to play for zero points in 2010
