The temporary administrator of National Rugby League side Parramatta "has allayed concerns the club will be privatised, as he prepares to review the sacked board's decision to fight the NRL's sanctions for salary cap rorting," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Max Donnelly of Ferrier Hodgson -- the former voluntary administrator of the North Sydney Bears -- "is again working in the NRL sphere after being tasked by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority to bring stability to the club." One of the fears of the previous regime "was a supposed push to sell off the club," with sacked Dir Paul Garrard saying, "The common thread through all of this has been a very strong privatization bid."
Former Macquarie Bank exec Bill Moss "is a staunch proponent" of privatization, although he has recently stated he had no intention of attempting the deed himself. In theory, the football club "could be sold off without member approval, but Donnelly ruled out the prospect of it happening during his watch." He said, "No, it's not on my radar." Before he turns his attention to football matters, Donnelly "will determine whether to rescind the club's appeal against the NRL's penalties" of a 12-point deduction and A$1M ($748,000) fine. He said, "If it's going to be pursued, the leagues club is going to fund it. I don't want to fund something unless I'm comfortable it should be funded" (SMH, 7/20).
