The National Rugby League has been warned that its support "could scupper the hopes of any group looking to take control of Parramatta," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. In finalizing sanctions against the club for salary cap breaches, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said that "he would look to work with one of the three groups attempting to unseat the board at an extraordinary general meeting next month." However, there "are genuine fears the club’s supporters could take out their frustration on the game’s governing body and Greenberg in particular by voting against any NRL-backed group." At least two of the groups have already reached out to Greenberg and the NRL "as they look to garner the game’s backing." The third, led by long-time supporter, Andrew Eagleston, "is expected to do the same tomorrow." The fear is that Eels supporters "are so disenfranchised" by the NRL’s decision -- and more particularly Greenberg because of his former job at Canterbury and his relationship with ex-Parramatta CEO Scott Seward -- that they may "deliberately vote against any group with the game’s backing" when the extraordinary general meeting is held late next month. A source close to the groups said, "There is not many people who trust him at Parramatta. It’s almost as if the NRL endorses a process, or faction, or candidate, it might be a kiss of death with a lot of the members" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 7/11).
OFF THE BOOKS: In Sydney, Proszenko & McClymont wrote former Parramatta player Will Hopoate "allegedly received off-the-books payments" of at least A$50,000 from Eddie Obeid Jr. "in the latest twist in the salary cap scandal." The club was "reeling from allegations that playmaker Corey Norman was paid cash at Top Ryde car park by Brisbane recruiter Peter Nolan during his time at the club." At the time of the alleged payments, Norman was also allegedly receiving A$3,000 per month "to cover his rental of a Top Ryde apartment" that was owned by former Labor Minister Eddie Obeid. Nolan and one-time English import Lee Mossop "are also understood to have been renting apartments in the same complex." It has been alleged by former Eels CEO Scott Seward that "one of the sources of under-the-table payments" was Obeid Jr. -- the youngest son of the disgraced former Labor powerbroker, who will learn next month "whether he will be jailed after being found guilty of misconduct in public office" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/10).
