Besieged administrator Brian Waldron remained at the helm of the new Melbourne Rebels Super rugby union franchise but was “taking advice” after being implicated in the Melbourne Storm’s NRL salary cap scandal.
The Rebels confirmed late on Thursday that Waldron currently remained in charge of the club he joined after quitting a similar chief executive role at the Storm in January.
The Storm were been stripped of two NRL premierships and fined a total of $1.6 million after being found guilty of long-term salary cap breaches.
NRL boss David Gallop said the Storm had rorted the salary cap by at least $1.7 million over five years.
“They had a long-term system of effectively two sets of books and the elaborate lengths they have gone through to cover this up has been extraordinary,” Gallop said.
All the alleged offences would have occurred under Waldron’s tenure as Storm chief executive from 2004.
The NRL said two current members of senior management at the club had been stood down as a result of the salary cap investigation.
A Rebels spokeswoman said the club, which is set to join an expanded Super rugby competition next season, would not comment on the issue.
But she did confirm that Waldron was “taking some advice”.
“He cannot make any comment – he is taking some advice at the moment,” the spokeswoman said.
Waldron was not available for comment on Thursday night.
Rebels chairman Harold Mitchell also declined to comment on the matter – saying through his spokeswoman “it’s NRL business”.
The Australian Rugby Union was taking a close interest in the matter, although it does not directly employ Waldron.
“It is the first we have heard about this issue with the Melbourne Storm, and we have had no direct dialogue with the NRL of News Ltd, so we can’t comment on the depth or detail of any allegation that they may level at any individuals,” said ARU spokesman Peter Jenkins.
“It is clear from a Melbourne Storm perspective there will be more details to come and we will follow the situation with interest.”
Apelu Tielu
Guest
This is not the first time this has happened in the NRL. It shows how flawed a salary cap system is. And if the NRL think this will be the last, they are dreaming.
Razzle
Guest
Wally Waldron. He hasn't come out and threatened to sue yet. In fact, I'm still waiting on him to back up his threats against St George in 2008....... Hope he gets everything that is coming to him.
sheek
Guest
The poet Sir Walter Scott said it best: "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive".
Pete
Guest
All Waldrons talk about the Storm and Rebels working together to consolidate costs and leaverage partnerships appears to be all cr*ap...... he wanted to stay close to keep an eye on the situation to ensure this didn't happen.
Al
Guest
Just read that the Rebels will sack Waldron tomorrow morning. Good on them for getting rid of this scoundrel. Should be locked up.
AFL Queensland
Guest
This is the thinking of union fans that shows why they will never enjoy real popularity in this country... You deserve to be the fourth football code and falling.
Pete
Guest
Not for everyone, just laggards like me. :) I see what you mean
Empire
Roar Rookie
The mud is already being flung towards the Rebels - I don't expect Waldron to hang around. As for taking on NRL players - I doubt many of them are suitable, Slater and Inglis perhaps might be worth a shot - but every team in both codes will be aiming for them. It's really a shame for the loyal supporters, however, even they may need their heads checked - genuine superstar team and all for under the salary cap. Get real. I hope Rugby will take the high road publicly like the AFL, there is nothing brave or to be gained from bagging a team/code while they are down. The press will do that for them.
Peter K
Guest
WCR Yes I obviously need to spell it out :) Yes a lot do not know the difference between the rugbys in Melbourne so once Storm disappears they will gravitate to the Rebels. I cant see how it is bad for union except if Waldron is guilty then he should be sacked before Rebels start up next year.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Pete I think what Peter K was saying without actually saying it was that the Rebels could potentially absorb the supporter and player bases the Storm currently has if they fold.
Pete
Guest
Peter K, I think the Rebels will suffer. Few Victorians can tell the difference between RL and RU. This is bad for both codes.
Oracle
Guest
Ironic if Waldron was the whistleblower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter K
Guest
This might be great for the Rebels regardless of what happens to Waldron. Melbourne Storm might have to fold they have significant financial problems and News probably wont bail them out and the big fine and loss of revenue this year might break them. If so Melbourne Rebels might benefit as the only rugby in town.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
he should be gone even just by association, but as my friend who is a crazy league nut (every roosters game in nsw since ive known him) "Melbourne Storm: Liars, Cheats, Conmen. Who would have thought a club run by Rupert Murdoch would lack ethics and morals?" there are more unsavoury statement s by those who i know who dont support league but its a good statement
Spencer
Guest
As far as I know there is no issue of illigality - only a breach of NRL rules.
Spencer
Guest
Shock horror! The real world of corporate business is the same. Try owning a company in China and doing business. Now that requires creativity far beyond what Brian Waldron has been allegedly doing.
Jack
Guest
Stand him down until investigation is concluded. Rugby does not need to be infected with NRL's greed.
Justin
Guest
Gee SEN 1116 will be praying "Wally" (how fitting) turns up for his weekly one hour chat tomorrow morning at 10am!
Yikes
Guest
Waldron - goooooone.