Parramatta set to investigate claims from Brad Murray that he was forced into lying to police
Josh Massou
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The Daily Telegraph
November 26, 2011
8:31AM
Mistake ... The Eels will discuss Murray's claims at a board meeting on Tuesday night.
Source: News Limited
Parramatta's board is expected to launch an investigation into serious claims from ex-lower grader Brad Murray, who this week admitted to lying to a police investigation under duress from the club.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal departing
CEO Paul Osborne is likely to be asked to take "gardening leave" until his resignation is due at Christmas.
Both matters are expected to be addressed at a board meeting on Tuesday night, with several directors floored by Murray's allegations.
The 21-year-old dropped the bombshell under oath while giving evidence as a prosecution witness in the North Queensland Cowboys-Canterbury-Bankstown match-fixing case against colourful
rugby league identity John Elias on Monday.
Elias had been charged with trying to gain financial advantage by deception after placing $5500 worth of multi-bets on North Queensland to open the scoring with a penalty goal.
Police were relying heavily on a statement from Murray, who claimed he had placed $900 worth of bets on the option after being told by his manager Sam Ayoub that the game was "set-up".
But when he took the stand,
Murray backflipped sensationally and told the court he fabricated Ayoub's comment while under "immense pressure from my former club (Parramatta)".
Elias was found not guilty on Thursday.
Osborne negotiated the initial contact between Murray and police and he was the lone Eels official to be named in court this week.
Detective Matthew Gibson - who headed up the NSW Crime Commission investigation - testified that the Eels CEO had invited him to speak with Murray in February.
Detective Gibson told the court Murray's statement was made between February 7 and 8 at the Rydges Hotel in Cronulla. Detective Gibson said no Eels officials were present at the time, but that Murray's family and barrister were on hand for support.
Murray was also subpoened to give evidence at a bail hearing but could not be located on the day.
After spending much of the year in the third-tier Bundaberg Cup competition, Murray was released from the Eels mid-season and finished 2010 with Newcastle Wests.
Osborne announced his resignation almost a fortnight ago following an internal audit into his behaviour at the behest of Glenn Duncan, who represents major sponsor Pirtek.
Osborne was cleared of any transgressions that warranted his sacking, but offered to step down because of his untenable relationship with Duncan.
Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo last night said Osborne was working from his office at the football club, but indicated that an early departure could be negotiated.
He also said Tuesday night's board meeting would address Murray's claims.
"It's something we'll need to discuss," Spagnolo said. Leagues club CEO Bob Bentley is certain to take over Osborne's role in a caretaker capacity at least.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...-lying-to-police/story-fn2mcuj6-1226206728878
