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Let me take you back to late 2012. Rumours surrounded Israel Folau and his return to the NRL from the AFL. He looked likely to return with NRL wooden spooners Parramatta.
While some say his choice of club was poor it would be good nonetheless to have a talented player back in the NRL.
It was rumoured the Eels had tabled an offer around the $300,000 mark.
Cue salary cap auditor Ian Schubert. He would not register Folau’s contract at that price, as his market value is worth more.
Last time I checked it was the salary cap auditor’s responsibility to monitor the salary cap and advise the NRL of breaches. Any contract negotiations are left to the player and his club.
This move by Schubert saw Folau lost to rugby union. It was a clear abuse of power and obvious prevention of Parramatta signing a player.
Don’t forget St. George signed former NSW and Australian representative Mark Gasnier on the minimum contract for one season but his market value was more then five times that amount.
Krisnan Inu signed with the Dogs for around $100,000 when his market value was more than double that.
Let us not forget the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal, which Schubert failed to uncover. A whistle blower brought the scandal to his attention.
Schubert’s main job for the NRL is to prevent teams from breaking the salary cap. He didn’t do so with the Melbourne Storm.
I have discussed this at length with other supporters and we have all agreed that Schubert has to go.
Schubert’s long and successful career for the Roosters further clouds the issue. His connection with the club indicates a potential conflict of interest. The NRL need to promote the integrity of the salary cap auditor’s position.
Let’s have someone independent, removed from any possible conflicts in the role, and let Schubert tackle the AFL or A-League where he isn’t conflicted.
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