General Warriors won't get favours: Gallop

[PB_old]

Meanwhile, over at the SMH


Warriors won't get favours: Gallop

February 24, 2006 - 7:24PM

NRL CEO David Gallop has rejected the possibility of going easy on the New Zealand Warriors if the Trans-Tasman club is found guilty of rorting the salary cap.

Despite fears it could hinder the development of the game in New Zealand, Gallop said there would be no special treatment if the allegations were proven.

"No, I don't think that (development of the game) is a major factor, we have to treat all clubs equally," he said.

"Every penalty we have ever set for any club is a benchmark.

"We are endeavouring to be as vigilant as we can be but no situation is identical."

The Warriors have until close of business on Monday to submit documents explaining alleged undisclosed player payments and arrangements after the deadline was extended from Friday.

They face the loss of up to six competition points and a massive fine for alleged breaches of the salary cap by the previous administration.

If they are found guilty, this will be the biggest player-payment scandal since the Bulldogs were robbed of the minor premiership in 2002.

The allegations levelled against the Warriors include payments funnelled to players through majority stakeholder Cullen Investments, stars offered highly paid jobs after retirement, paid mobile phones (major sponsor is Vodafone) and free travel across the Tasman for agents and family.

The Warriors' management and board has sought to distance itself from the scandal by blaming the former leadership team led by ex-chief executive Mick Watson.

The Warriors will struggle to make the top eight if they are docked six points before their round one clash against Melbourne on March 12.

Despite Rugby League Professionals Association boss Matthew Rodwell claiming it is "unlikely" players will be left out of pocket, Gallop confirmed the players could be punished if they were found guilty of helping to rort the cap.

"If players are knowingly involved with salary cap breaches they are liable to penalties," Gallop said.

 

[warriors4life_old]

a lot of warriors fans won't like it but gallop has to punish every club equally and harshly or if we get off lightly then other clubs won't see the salary cap as a major hurdle and could break it without fear of a major penalty. losing 6 points and a lot of money may sound terrible now but in a number of years when another club breaks the salary cap and they get a harsh penalty, warriors fans can look back and say that it was fair.

 

[Skinny_Ravs82]

It is fair enough. We are not a special case, and to be honest I'd rather we get treated fairly instead. Although I don't think and feel the players had any part to play even thou I don't know for sure.

 

[IanS_old]

The Bulldogs weren't "robbed" of a Minor Premiership in 2002.

 

[scottyb_old]

its not the players fault, but the management deserves all they get. I cant believe Eric Watson didnt know what was going on, considering money was apparently paid to players through his company. I too want us to be treated fairly coz we need the salary cap to keep the comp even

 

[Jesbass_old]

The Bulldogs weren't "robbed" of a Minor Premiership in 2002.

 

[jaws_old]

Gallop despises the Warriors. Everytime he says the word I can see the hate. Ever since a Kiwi doorman barred him entry to Northies at Cronulla cause he was so pissed already he has held a grudge.

Wake up Gallop you pansy. Us Warriors fans are sick of your obvious bias.

 

[sebastian_old]

we have to get some connsession for being honest so i thnk it'll be only two of four points docked.