Morale remains high amongst Brisbane players ahead of Sunday’s NRL home clash with Manly despite reports that another probe into potential salary cap irregularities has been launched at the Broncos.
While surprised by club stalwart Andrew Gee’s resignation, prop Josh McGuire said players had remained focused after it emerged the club had alerted the NRL of potential irregularities over three seasons totalling $450,000.
NRL boss Dave Smith launched an investigation after being told by the Broncos on Monday that the club had been provided information from an external party of potential irregularities over 2012-14.
And Deloitte – the same company that conducted a forensic investigation of cap rorters Melbourne Storm four years ago – has reportedly been brought in by the Broncos’ major owner, News Corp Australia, to begin a forensic examination of the club’s books.
Deloitte will share findings with the NRL’s investigation headed by the integrity unit and cap auditor.
Allegations of the Broncos breaching the game’s strict salary cap rules publicly came to light on Tuesday after the club’s operations manager Gee resigned, ending a 25 year association with the club.
Reports claimed on Thursday that Gee had also stood down as a leagues club director on April 28 without offering an explanation.
“I have been with Gee since I was 14. He scouted me at Aspley,” said McGuire, 24, ahead of his 100th game on Sunday.
“He has been a massive part of the club, been here since day dot but I am not sure what was going on there.”
But McGuire added: “What is in the headlines is not always what is going on.”
McGuire did not believe the off-field dramas would affect their performance, saying Brisbane (8th; 6-5 record) were still buzzing from their last round away win over Wests Tigers before taking on second placed Manly.
“We haven’t spoken about it (investigation). It’s business as usual,” he said.
“There is a buzz around the club after a gutsy win over the Wests Tigers and we will be confident on Sunday.
“Hoffy (Josh Hoffman) will also play his 100th game. Playing my milestone match with one of my mates is all I have been thinking about.”
