Conn: Storm should have known
ROOSTERS board member Michael Conn has expressed surprise at claims his counterparts at the Melbourne Storm knew nothing of the salary cap rorts that embroiled the club.
ROOSTERS board member Michael Conn has expressed surprise at claims his counterparts at the Melbourne Storm knew nothing of the salary cap rorts that saw the club stripped of its 2007 and 2009 premierships, three minor premierships and all competition points for the 2010 season.
Conn told The AJN that board members at the Roosters knew how the club spent its $4.1 million salary cap, and that it was reasonable to assume the same of the Storm’s current administration.
“The Roosters board has a reasonable idea of what each player is on, and I find it surprising that the Melbourne Storm board say they didn’t know,” Conn said.
“The board members at Melbourne should have known.”
But with speculation rife that Storm coach Craig Bellamy knew about the rorts, Conn said it’s possible he didn’t.
“At the end of the day, I don’t think the coaching staff is totally aware because they don’t need to get involved in the salary cap, but they certainly could have found out if they had asked,” he said.
He added that the entire saga has been a black mark for NRL and this year was going to be tough for the entire code.
“I’m still trying to come to grips with Melbourne not playing for any points during the 2010 season.
“There is no easy fix to this because, on one hand, there is still a team that is $700,000 over the salary cap. If they do play for points, it isn’t fair on the other teams.
“I suppose other than suspending them completely, it seems like this is the only way to go on — having them play for no points at all.”
Conn also noted that it was not only the fans that would suffer.
He said it was difficult to know how the Storm players would respond, despite the side’s emphatic response at the weekend, crushing the New Zealand Warriors 40-6 at Etihad Stadium.
He added that 2010 would be a “real year of uncertainty”, thanks to the unprecedented scenario.
The lawyer said that despite the debacle, the salary cap kept the competition fair and should remain in place.
But he suggested the limit be raised.
“Maybe it could be increased. That’s another story. [The NRL] is talking about increasing it once the league finalises the next television rights deal.”
But because clubs struggle to stave off threats to their playing lists from rival codes and NRL clubs, Conn believes certain concessions should be made to help retain players.
“If you have been able to cultivate your own player from junior to superstar, you should be given some salary cap exemption”
he said.
JOSHUA LEVI
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