Parramatta chairman Steve Sharp could make shock appearance at Eels-South Sydney Rabbitohs match
Date
May 12, 2016 - 4:30PM
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Andrew Webster
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer, The Sydney Morning Herald
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The walk of shame: we've all done it.
We've all fallen out of the cab in front of our house, blinking at the early morning light then sneaking up the front steps hoping the neighbour doesn't notice us wearing the same clothes we wore to the races the previous afternoon.
In happier times: Eels CEO Scott Seward (right) and chairman Steve Sharp (left) with Jarryd Hayne on the day the latter ...
In happier times: Eels CEO Scott Seward (right) and chairman Steve Sharp (left) with Jarryd Hayne on the day the latter revealed his code switch. Photo: Getty Images
Is this resonating with anyone? Someone?
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The word out of the Eels is that disgraced chairman Steve Sharp is contemplating an appearance at Pirtek Stadium on Friday for the emotional clash against South Sydney.
Given the restrictions placed on Sharp and the other four officials for their alleged part in the salary cap imbroglio, he can slip into his life member seats in the stand or perhaps go and stand on the hill. He can't go near the sheds or chairman's lounge.
We were told some were trying to talk Sharp out of attending. We tried to contact Sharp but he did not respond. But if he turns up, it will be interesting to see/hear how the angry faithful greet him.
As the chairman, Sharp has rightfully become the face of this scandal. At the very least, his biggest error is that the alleged $3 million salary cap breach has happened on his watch.
Sharp and his deputy, Tom Issa, came on board at the Eels because there was barely anyone else left to do the job. They had the best intentions. New football club directors usually do.
About six months into their appointment, both of them sat down with this reporter to discuss the direction of the club. They talked mostly about their frustration at outside influences undermining them at every turn.
Their legacy now is one almighty mess that has deeply affected many lives, from coach Brad Arthur to his players to their fans.
And, especially, hooker Nathan Peats, whose decision to sign with the Titans meant the Eels could poke their head under the cap late on Thursday, meaning Arthur's side can play for competition points.
While the 25-year-old deserves much empathy, some of the hysteria around his sudden departure merely highlights the ruthlessness of professional sport.
In the US and elsewhere around the world, athletes are given an hour's notice to clean out their lockers after they've been traded to another club.
Meanwhile, in the Real World, employees are shuffled out the door all the time. It's happening in the very office where these words are being typed right now.
Said Arthur on Thursday morning: "I've learnt that tough decisions have to be made, and we have to put the club first. We need to play for points."
The unlikely hero out of all of this is Peats' agent, the great Sammy Ayoub, who wrestled for days with Parra consultant Ian Schubert and managed to cut a deal with the Eels and the Titans that meant his player didn't lose money and the club could play for points.
Now, all that's left is the footy.
There has been much debate about whether the Eels should be playing for points because they assembled a star-studded team illegally.
And, it's been argued, the last man to join the club, Michael Jennings, should have been squeezed instead of Peats. The length of his deal would have created more salary cap problems in the seasons to follow. Peats, who was coming off contract, was the only real option.
What also needs to be pointed out is that Parramatta was under the cap when it signed Jennings from the Roosters in January. The NRL's discovery of promised third-party payments is what took them $570,000 over the cap.
Will it be an embarrassment to the game if the Eels make the top eight, or top four, or the grand final, or win the whole shebang?
Let's wait until we get there. But when the Eels players run down the tunnel on Friday night, it shall be no walk of shame.
Good luck to them.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...tohs-match-20160512-got5tp.html#ixzz48TZLELMv
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