The boardroom of National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels, "for so long the source of the club's woes, is now calling for a new set of directors to lead the club into the future," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
The Eels "are seeking to attract the best possible candidates to form a new football club board, which is expected to be in place before the new NRL season kicks off in March." The qualification process has been "drastically altered to ensure anyone who fits a rigorous skills matrix is welcome to apply." Previously, only those who had held Parramatta Leagues Club membership for three consecutive years were able to apply, "severely limiting the number of quality candidates." Eels Chair and temporary administrator Max Donnelly "has proposed a raft of changes designed to usher in the new board, which he has tweaked slightly following feedback from members." Donnelly now "is encouraging those with the requisite skills and acumen to apply for the five vacant positions in the boardroom" by the Dec. 5 cut-off date. Donnelly: "If I do my job properly you will have seven proper board members, everyone with different skills, and no factions." In a bid "to move forward with a clean slate," those who have previously served on the Parramatta board -- including the so-called "gang of five" officials deregistered for their roles in the salary cap debacle -- are not eligible. Privately, club insiders "were concerned about the trend of local councillors being appointed to the Eels board, despite the potential conflicts of interest." Donnelly: "Even the American public voted in a businessman over a politician" (SMH, 11/16).
