Five NRL clubs fined for cap breaches

Five clubs have been fined for 2009 salary cap breaches by the NRL.
But all breaches pale in comparison to the Melbourne Storm cap scandal that has
rocked the NRL.
The Broncos ($17,045), the Dragons ($22,500), Parramatta ($25,000), Canberra
($1,996) and the Sydney Roosters ($7,246) were all fined for breaches found in 2009
club audits.
"Given the major investigation at Melbourne this year it has taken a little longer
than normal to complete the annual reviews at all clubs," NRL boss David Gallop
said.
"It is encouraging that the largest of the fines for an undisclosed guarantee at
Parramatta actually relates to the 2008 season and that for the most part in 2009 we
are dealing with technical issues about the way payments should have been classified
rather than deceptive conduct."
Gallop said the clubs were advised of the breaches last week and the NRL Board was
informed of the decisions at their meeting on Wednesday.
"The salary cap team is to be commended in terms of both these audits and the work
undertaken in relation to the breaches found at the Melbourne Storm," Gallop said.
"Already they are focusing on the mid-year audits for the 2010 season."
Meanwhile, the NRL Board on Wednesday clarified its position in relation to striking
charges including punching and head-butting, saying "it has no place in our game".
The Board said a deliberate or reckless head-butt would constitute striking under
the code.
"Such conduct is both unfair and excessive," the NRL Board said in a statement.
The NRL Board said the points should be included in any direction to the NRL
judiciary panel on charges of striking, effective immediately.
It comes after Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne controversially escaped a headbutt
charge to take his place for NSW in Origin II.