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The NRL has announced it will look into allegations about undisclosed third party payments at the Parramatta eels.
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald today contains allegations that several payments have been made to players playing for the Eels, including Chris Sandow and Will Hopoate.
Eddie Obeid Jr, son of disgraced former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid, is at the centre of the allegations, admitting to helping Parramatta players Darcy Lussick and Hopoate with real estate matters. Hopoate also allegedly earned an extra $50,000 to $100,000 a year thanks to deals not registered under the salary cap.
On top of that, the Herald asserts that Chris Sandow’s estimated $550,000 salary was topped up by up to $200,000 a year.
Head of Integrity Nick Weeks said NRL auditors will look into the matter.
“The salary cap is one of the main reasons we have the closest sporting competition in Australia,” Weeks said.
“We have already shown that we are prepared to take a hard line against breaches and these allegations will be investigated by the salary cap auditors.”
The NRL now has enhanced access to player remuneration records at the club due to the recent salary cap breach penalties imposed on the club.
“If these allegations are confirmed then the NRL will take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the competition,” he said.
Obeid spoke to the Herald‘s Kate McClyrmont and Stuart Goodman in their article published today, admitting to helping Parramatta players in various capacities.
He said that his motivation in helping players was his love for the club.
“I love the club. If asked, I will always help anyone associated with the Parramatta Eels.”
Obeid admitted to helping Sandow “in a small capacity financially from time to time as a friend”. He denied he engaged in third-party payments that would need to be reported under the NRL salary cap.
“Given Chris’s continual issues both on and off the field, companies felt it was not in their best interests to hire Chris’s services. It was just too hard, given his circumstances.” he said.
On Lussick, Obeid told Fairfax:
“Yes, that’s true. I don’t have any issue with that. I helped him with his unit,” said Mr Obeid jnr.
Similar claims have been made about Hopoate, who Obeid said a friend of his helped.
Fairfax have also reported that deals were set up under former chairman Roy Spagnolo, and allegedly involve Sandow and former player Jarryd Hayne. You can read their report here.
What the NRL will uncover will play out in the coming months.
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