However, Parramatta fans have been given a glimmer of hope, and a reason to cheer for the remainder of the 2016 season, with the NRL announcing that “The club will be able to begin accruing points as soon as it makes the necessary changes to comply with the 2016 cap.”
With the competition breaking for the representative round this weekend, the Eels have ten days to get their list in compliance.
With 17 matches remaining in the 2016 season, the Eels could theoretically finish as high as fourth (based on final standings from the 2015 season), meaning finals are still on the cards for the Eels.
So how does this scenario compare to previous salary cap punishments handed down to NRL clubs?
In 2002, the Canterbury Bulldogs were fined $500,000 and deducted 37 points for breaches totalling $2.13 million. The Bulldogs were leading the competition at that point.
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In 2005, the Warriors were fined $430,000 and started the 2006 season on -4 points for breaches totalling $1.1 million. The four-point deduction resulted in the Warriors missing out on playing finals in 2006.
In 2010, the Melbourne Storm were stripped of the 2007 and 2009 premierships and fined an Australian sporting record of $1.689 million for five years worth of breaches. The Storm were sentenced to finish in last place in 2010, playing out a majority of the season without being able to earn competition points.
What do you think Roarers? Where does the Eels punishment sit when compared to the Bulldogs, Warriors and Storm?