Hayne paid out of personal bank account during Eels cap scandal

Stunning new details have emerged of Jason Irvines role as the bagman in Parramattas salary cap scandal, with the former footy manager paying Jarryd Hayne nearly $40,000 from his personal account.

However, Hayne wasnt the biggest beneficiary – former forward Lee Mossop received almost $50,000 in payments.

The fallout from the scandal continues, with Irvine facing a series of charges including dishonestly obtaining property and financial advantage by deception. The matter was in the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court last week and is scheduled to continue again in June.

A series of transactions, including those to and from Irvines personal First Options Credit Union bank account, were tendered to the court as part of the agreed facts. They show that the Parramatta Leagues Club paid landscape contractor Green Options about $95,000 for work that was never completed. Green Options managing director Tony Herman told the court he transferred money to a bank account he assumed belonged to the club, but it was in fact the personal account of Irvine.

The bank statements show that Irvine paid out almost the exact amount to two Eels players, Hayne and Mossop, in a series of transactions from January 27 to March 16 of 2015.

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The money paid to Hayne was to an account named Abdullah – in three instalments of $10,000 and then further payments of $5000 and $4000.

However, the big winner was Mossop. Although the former England international turned out to be a giant flop – he played just three games for Parramatta in an injury-ravaged 2015 stint before returning to the Super League – Irvine paid Mossop Management amounts of $15,000, $9600, $14,600 and $9600.

Irvine even returned a payment of $5000 back to Green Options, ensuring the ledger between what he and the players were paid was almost square.

Former Eels CEO Scott Seward avoided a conviction and jail time for his role in the affair, although it remains to be seen if Irvine is as fortunate. While the details of the salary cap scandal were laid bare two years ago, there is still no movement on the player agents involved. One of managers was involved in the last two salary cap scandals but continues to go about his business, making a mockery of the NRLs inaction.

In a separate court action, former Parramatta chairman Roy Spagnolo is taking the leagues club to the Supreme Court over the cancellation of his membership.

New Holmes for Valentine?

The mail about Wests Tigers making a play for Valentine Holmes is getting louder.

Its no secret that Holmes wants to play fullback and is frustrated about remaining on the wing at Cronulla. The Sharks re-signed Holmes until the end of next year, but that was on the understanding he would be the Sharks No.1. Corey Thompson is doing a good job at the back for the Tigers, but the club is keen for a superstar custodian and has the money to make it happen.

One thing is for sure – despite trialling in front of NFL clubs in 2016, Holmes has given up on his gridiron ambitions. “It would probably be a bit late now,” Holmes said. “Im turning 23 and everyone knows how hard those guys train over there after growing up with the game as kids. If I were to have a crack at it, it would have been the time I went over for a trial.”

Des still a drawcard for Foran

If Trent Barrett was to leave Manly – and Des Hasler return in his place – there is no doubt that Kieran Foran would be looking to head back to Brookvale.

By no means is Foran unhappy at Canterbury – or with coach Dean Pay – but the reason he signed there was to be coached by Hasler again. Hasler is currently taking on the Bulldogs in a Supreme Court battle which will determine whether he signed a legally binding contract extension.

Barretts own future is clouded. Those close to the Sea Eagles coach have urged him to get out, fearing his reputation will diminish the longer he remains at the embattled club. There is a feeling he has been badly let down during the recent crises and doesnt have the support required to turn around a 2-6 start to the season.

If Barrett were to leave, it would open the door for a possible homecoming for Hasler. The two-time premiership-winning coach may consider taking unders to return if he is successful in his court battle, but he would still be an enormous cost at a time when the Penn family is attempting to stop the financial bleeding.

A Hasler return could solve the clubs halves issues, as Foran would also be keen to reunite with Daly Cherry-Evans.

By George – Burgess to act up

Russell Crowe may soon not be the only Rabbitoh making it big in Hollywood, with George Burgess set to make his acting debut.

Burgess is poised to play a strongarm called Ivan in Locusts, an action noir flick set in Broken Hill. The project is the brainchild of producer/writer Angus Watts and is directed by Heath Davis, the man behind the acclaimed rugby league film Broke. Its described as a throwback to classic action films, with a bit of Max Max, No Country for Old Men and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly thrown in.

“We needed a hulking figure and he fits the bill perfectly,” Davis said of the Souths prop. “We knew hed been interested in pursuing an acting career seriously, so we tested him out and hes great. Hes super passionate and dedicated. Hes also been getting some private acting lessons with one of our lead actors, who is loving working with him. Reckons hes a natural.

“He will share the screen with another elite sportsman in heavyweight champion Lucas Browne.”

Croft's issue with Smith

Brodie Crofts form isnt the only reason he is in reserve grade. The Melbourne playmaker had a falling out with Cameron Smith at around the time he was dropped. Smith unselfishly attempted to pass on tips to Croft, but its fair to say the youngster wasnt overly receptive. Most other halfbacks would jump at the chance to learn from a future Immortal. He will need to improve his attitude as the man replacing him – Ryley Jacks – hasnt lost a game since getting the call up.

Moses' face fits for Eels and ANZ

Mitchell Moses is set to be the face of the Parramatta Eels, as an ambassador for ANZ Stadium.

In a deal that reflects his rising status in the west, Moses is in talks to join stadium posterboys including South Sydneys Greg Inglis, Wallabies star Israel Folau and his Tigers flatmate Luke Brooks. The Eels will be playing out of their brand-new stadium in Parramatta from next year, but ANZ officials were keen to link with a star of the blue and golds. Its believed a deal will soon be announced.

“I honestly dont know too much about whats happening there, but if something like that was to happen its a massive honour to be noticed in that way,” Moses said.

“Were trying to make our own memories for Parramatta at ANZ at the moment, so hopefully we can get into semi-finals contention and carry that on all the way to that last game at ANZ.”

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Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.

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