National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels has "moved to end factionalism by barring former directors from ever becoming a part of future Eels boardrooms," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Parramatta Chair and temporary Leagues Club Administrator Max Donnelly has been "seeking to improve the governance structures of the blue and golds and has landed on a series of proposed changes to the Eels constitution." The most significant is ensuring that previous directors -- including the so-called "gang of five," Steven Sharp, Tom Issa, Peter Serrao, John Boulous and Daniel Anderson -- are not allowed "another stint in the boardroom, a move aimed at ending the political infighting and self interest that has held Parramatta back for so long." Another key reform is changing the Eels from a public to a private company, "a step that all will make it harder to privatise the club." The move "all but extinguishes fears the Eels could be sold off without member approval." In a bid to "attract the most skilled operators, everyone who fits a strict skills matrix -- rather than the previous requirement of three consecutive years of leagues club membership -- will be considered for the Eels board." There will also be a "lesser crossover between the two boards to ensure each attracts the right people for the job." The previous regime "fuelled fears the club would be privatised, particularly after former Macquarie Bank executive Bill Moss championed the move." Donnelly said, "The structure I'm putting in place does not facilitate privatization, it makes it harder, in fact ... It just isn't happening in the current regime, it would be harder to happen and I can't see why Parramatta would need to privatize" (SMH, 10/19).
