NRL reveal sanctions for salary cap breaches and off-field behaviour
The NRL have imposed sanctions for salary cap breaches and off-field behaviour matters which have been investigated by the integrity unit.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg admitted the competition’s reputation has been damaged over the last couple of months.
The new season gets underway later this month with holders Sydney Roosters amongst the favourites.
He said: “We cannot afford to ever have an off-season like this again.
“I would hope that the sanctions being handed down today will remind clubs and players that there are significant consequences for not complying with the standards and rules we set for our game.”
Dylan Walker
The Manly Sea Eagles star will be placed on a ‘no-fault stand-down’ policy prior to the commencement of the NRL season until his court case is finished.
Shane Flanagan
Former Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has had his registration cancelled for breaching the conditions of his 2014 suspension.
The proposed fine of $800,000 on the club for continuing to engage with Flanagan during the period he was banned has been reduced to $500,000 after the club acknowledged and accepted its wrongdoing.
Cronulla Sharks salary cap
The integrity unity has uncovered breaches of the salary cap rules over a number of years dating back to 2013. A list of proposed payments to players outside the cap was uncovered, but these did not affect the club’s winning Premiership year in 2016.
A breach notice proposing a fine of $750,000 has been issued to the club but $500,000 of this will be suspended because it was the club which initially self-reported salary cap discrepancies to the NRL.
Wests Tigers
The NRL proposed a fine of $750,000 late last year for failing to disclose an ambassador agreement with Robbie Farah when he finishes his career and for misleading the NRL in relation to an application for cap relief.
The NRL has considered the Tigers’ response to the breach notice, which apologised for the error, and has agreed to reduce the penalty by 50%. This means the club will be fined $375,000 for the breach.
In addition, the club has received a $639,000 salary cap penalty. The NRL has agreed to spread the penalty over the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Wests’ Zane Musgrove, who is currently facing indecent assault charges, has been refused until the case is concluded.
Dylan Napa
The NRL will fine Napa 10% of his 2019 salary following the publication of several ‘sex tapes’ featuring him.
It was decided not to suspend him because this is an historical incident with the videos dating back five years.
Scott Bolton
The NRL has suspended North Queensland Cowboys forward Scott Bolton for 10 weeks – and 5% of his 2019 salary – after pleading guilty in January to common assault involving a woman last year.
However, it has agreed to halve the penalty if Bolton agrees to address the captains and senior players of all other teams during this year’s Magic Round in Brisbane in May.
