Parramatta have accused the NRL of imposing sanctions “without according procedural fairness” after the club secured a temporary court order preventing the league from banning five officials on Tuesday.
As part of a series of measures for breaking the salary cap by $3 million since 2013, the NRL sought to deregister Eels chairman Steven Sharp, football manager Daniel Anderson, chief executive John Boulous and fellow officials Tom Issa and Peter Serrao.
But the NSW Supreme Court late on Tuesday issued an injunction against the NRL permitting the five to stay – for now.
“The notices about competition points deduction, fine and suspensions that were issued today by the NRL to the club and its officials were done in circumstances where the NRL has appeared to impose sanctions without according procedural fairness,” the Eels said on Tuesday night in a statement.
“The club has sought from the beginning of this process particulars of allegations including adverse material relied upon and a proper opportunity to respond.
“The club, its board and staff will be reviewing very carefully the notices that have been issued by the NRL in the coming days in order to respond to matters including, if necessary, seeking further details in relation to allegations.
“It is regrettable that the NRL determined to make a public statement about these matters and impose penalties without hearing from the club first.”
The Eels, who were also docked their 12 competition points accrued during the 2016 season called on the NRL to use “procedural fairness” before any final decisions were made.
Greenberg has already indicated Parramatta do have a chance to respond to the proposed sanctions. He said the findings were preliminary.
The case will return to court on Friday.