Former long-running Parramatta boss Denis Fitzgerald wants to help Parramatta recover from their salary cap crisis.
Fitzgerald, who earned the nickname ‘The Emperor’ during his 30-year administrative career with the Eels, was an interested onlooker at Rugby League Central on Tuesday as the findings into Parramatta’s salary cap dramas were announced.
Five Eels officials – chairman Steve Sharp, CEO John Boulos, head of football Daniel Anderson, deputy chairman Tom Issa and director Peter Serrao – face being deregistered by the NRL as part of the breach notice handed down to the club.
Parra salary cap scandal
» Press conference: Parra breached the cap by $3 million, players may be investigated
» Parramatta docked 12 points, fined $1 million for salary cap breaches
» Don’t make the innocent pay for Parramatta rorting the salary cap
» Will the Eels take the NRL to court?
» How Parramatta’s punishment compares to previous salary cap breaches
» Read the full statement from the NRL
Fitzgerald was replaced as CEO of the Eels in 2009, but believes he can now help out the club again during their darkest hour.
“I’m available if the powers-at-be (want me),” Fitzgerald said.
“Who knows what that is going to be in the next short period at Parramatta.
“If the NRL think I can do something I will be only too happy to assist given my 30 years’ experience as an administrator at Parramatta.”
“This is the darkest of days for Parramatta. And it won’t change overnight, it would take a lot of good work from good people to get it back to where it needs to be.”
Fitzgerald said he agreed with the penalty for what the NRL said was overspending on the cap by $3 million since 2013.
“The penalty was harsh but fair,” he said.
“The NRL needed to come down with a penalty that would take the interest out of other clubs trying to do the same thing, and bring to a head some of the things at Parramatta that they have been made aware of at various times.”
Stewart ADams
Guest
Did Parramatta go through 6 CEOs in 7 years when DF was in charge, Or have issues with the salary Cap? Parramatta is cancerous due to everyone wanting control of a dysfunctional club and board. Unfortunately you need someone like DF to run this club as there are many people with agendas coming at you from all angles...
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I've never seen a happier man than Fitz waiting for cameras to take notice of him. Like a Cheshire Cat happy the club he supports was in shambles. Parra don't need these self serving egotists
yung
Guest
perfect summation, that man is a cancer to the eels
Ches
Guest
If Parramatta fans want to "Seriously" look at this issue and cast blame look no further than the emperor. He was one ticked off puppy since he was ousted in 09. Ask people in the know how he is still manipulating, sticking his nose in and just waiting for an opportunity to get his old job back. He just got it. Parramatta board screwed up, big time. Now it is time to pounce. DF still has many "friends" in the club to this day. Think about where the document leaks came from? On TV today I saw an interview today with him and it was classic Sun Tzu from his book "The art of War" DF made comment the punishment was justified Made comment that he had been hearing things (still meddling) Made reference to being involved in the club since since 1969 (Shouting ... Yes I'm here" Tries to create more Chaos (Remember "order through Chaos" saying) by hinting Police & other authorities should be involved. Then when asked if he would go back states he will do anything for the club. Low & behold. Surprise Surprise. he even has the solution to the problems. By yes, bringing him back into the club. He creates Chaos & has a solution. Hmmmmm Co-incidence not! Parasitic vulture like behavior taking advantage for his own gain in a bad situation.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
None of the happened while he was in charge