Statement: Parramatta Eels chairman Steve Sharp

Below is a statement from Parramatta Eels Chairman, Steve Sharp:

The story in today's Daily Telegraph regarding fees for Parramatta Eels Directors is wrong.

These are the facts:

• Directors' expenses and remuneration are set within the limits and guidelines established by the Members;
• Members set these limits and guidelines at the Annual General Meeting;
• A benchmarking survey was undertaken in 2014 indicating that Eels Directors were relatively poorly remunerated; 
• The subsequent increases were made in accordance with the rules and quantum established by the Members;
• Many NRL clubs remunerate their Board Directors at levels higher than those for Eels Directors. 

This falsehood reveals the lengths some are willing to go to smear the Parramatta Eels. There is a deliberate smear campaign currently underway. This is the latest desperate example of that.

Parramatta has undergone significant reform under the new Board and CEO. Reform we have achieved by working closely with the NRL and with independent experts, like PricewaterhouseCoopers. We are currently implementing 117 governance reforms based on PwC advice.

In respect of the current salary cap investigation, the Eels are assisting the NRL fully. We are also conducting our own investigation.

I say again to our fans that it will take time to solve the administrative problems of the past and to create a new culture of good governance. The new Board and CEO are determined to deliver this for our Members and fans.