A similar precedent was set by the NRL back in 2002.

The RFL chose not to follow suit.

Just watching the NRL Footy Show. I don't think I've ever watched this watch show without one scandal or another.

Gus Gould is arguing that once Melbourne prove they are under the cap they should be able to compete again this year.

He's also saying that it shows how much it costs to put a quality team on the field and that the salary cap is not adequate.

I just don't live in a little dream world like some on here.

Bellamy won't come to Wigan.
None of the Melbourne players will come to Wigan.

No point even discussing it.

He is right though, the cap should go up over there, they can afford it. Its better than losing quality players to other sports.

There are plenty of Storm players that could come to SL.

Obviously Smith, Slater or Inglis won't be comming but the likes of Hoffman and Lima are very realistic targets for anyone that wants them in SL.

Again Bellamy could very easily come to SL if he's out of work. At the end of the day if he's sacked from the Storm then he won't get another job in the NRL this season. Why wouldn't he consider a 6 month offer from Wigan and a chance to work with a good friend again?

It will do once the new TV deal is agreed.

Why would we want him?

Probably right, it should be huge and dwarf unions over there. I hope we can get a bigger deal next time around as reward for our huge figures compared to other sports, but I just can't see it.

.

HELLO! We've lost a game this season. It's a disgrace!

what can you say, its a massive scandal . This will take some time to die down. The vultures will be circling over melbourne storm. I certainly think players will go. They will have to. Maybe wigan might benefit but then again maybe not.Will have to watch as see how all this pans out.. Interesting times ahead

Although this is all hypothetical, I doubt very much that Bellamy would be interested in an official advisory role wigan at any time soon.

However I would be supprised if him and Madge have not already discussed plenty of stuff about Wigan over the phone as i beleive they are very good friends.

going back to the OT.

Although i am shocked at what has happened i cannot say i am suprised. IMO the cap is a joke and who can blame teams for trying to get around it?.

I am sure there are a few chairmen with squeeky bums at the momment

Because he's the best coach in the world? Is that a good enough reason in itself?

It would probably never happen but is it not worth a look by Madge?

Again I’m not calling for Madge to be replaced or moved in any way. I’m delighted with the work he’s done this season and he’s our head coach for as long as he wants it.

All I’m saying is that we could use Bellamy as a number 2 or something like that for 6 months that’s all? It would benefit Madge, Wane and all the other coaches we have at the club wouldn’t it?

Did Fergie not once have Walter Smith as his number 2 at UTD as he was out of work at the time?

The Quantum Manly Sea Eagles today issued the following media release over the revelation that the Melbourne Storm had been stripped of the 2007 and 2009 premierships:

Manly CEO Graham Lowe said:

"It is a black day in the history of the game of Rugby League.

"The salary cap is in place for all clubs to honour and respect. The Manly club feels bitterly disappointed for all fans of the game ? particularly our own fans and those of the Melbourne Storm who have every right to feel cheated.

"Manly gets no joy from today's revelation," Lowe said.

Personally, I think it would push Maguire's nose out too much. He must now believe that he's done enough to earn our trust. To bring someone else in - his former boss, especially - in a kind of consultancy role, would surely be embarrassing for him, even if it was only for a short stint.

Spot on, and I dont for a second believe that Bellamy would accept it.

If he got the sack, he would be out of work this season and would be back with a new club in 2011.

I think it was only being suggested if Madge himself wanted it.

There is no way that the club would/should do anything to make Madge feel the slightest bit uncomfortable/insecure.

As someone else said - At this point, he could have a job for life if he asks for it (and doesn't get "lazy" when it comes to investigating the latest NRL techniques - Although I don't think we'd want to copy this particular aspect of Melbourne's success).



I can't see it happening, and I have no idea why Bellamy is rumoured to be getting the boot anyway.

I did say in my post above that is not worth Madge looking at.

I don't think IL should be looking at it as this is Madge's area of control and it would also lead to a lot of issues like you mentioned above. I wouldn’t want anyone to go over Maguire’s head on this.

Now if Madge wanted to go for it i can't see a problem in it.

Nothing ventured nothing gained i guess is the way i'm looking at this.

Absolutely disgraceful, im just glad they got the punishment they deserved, and im glad that they cant gain any more points this year and will finish bottom. Feel sorry for the Melbourne fans though, but the club only has themsleves to blame.

Romours are though, that there may be a few other teams who have been doing the same.

How have they managed to get away with it on FOUR occasions?

Shocking. You'd be devastated as a fan (and player if you were unaware I guess)

I was on about for this season

One fan has dumped all his Melbourne gear outside the stadium.

Not what the game worldwide, or a key NRL franchise (with a new stadium on the way) needed.

Just been discussed on talksport after the sports news. RL emerged with great credit for the other clubs accepting it with dignity and the NRL for dishing out a proper punishment.

Suppose it was only a matter of time. The RFL auditors must surely know be swarming over Wire’s accounts like pigeons on a chip.

Talksport mentioned rugby league?


You listen to Talksport?

Thats what everyone would love to know. I understand they have been running sperate accounts so as to hide them, but how could that go unnoticed for so long???

Well done to the NRL for giving them the punishment the deserve but what we really need to know is how they could get away with it for so long.

What fans are going to go and watch them this year knowing that they cant actually get any points and none of the games mean anything???