Warriors salary cap woes unravel

The New Zealand Warriors are facing the possibility of losing competition points before the NRL season even kicks-off after revelations the club had breached the salary cap as far back as 2004.

The club is also expected to cop a huge fine for the breaches, which the Warriors' new management is blaming on the old administration. It could have dire effects on the club, who are facing a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and potentially beginning the 2006 competition on -4 or -6 points. The follow-on effects could see sponsors pull out and crowds drop off.

It is the second salary cap breach by the Warriors after being fined $100,000 in 2001, and the biggest salary cap scandal in the NRL since the Bulldogs were stripped of the minor premiership in 2002.