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OK Settle down all, this is not a big deal.
Force1 you seem to have bought the story HL&S
lets walk through it:
1) Nobody is blaming the SMH, just ignoring it based on bias and poor reporting in the past, bad track record of negativity and no evidence to back them up.Originally Posted by Force1
2) EWF board and management have not broken any rule. All player contract were confirmed and countersigned by the ARU board. Promised payments, by 2rd parties, did not come through. The management appear (note jury still out) to have made an 'ex gracia' payment in liue of this.
3) EWF board have said they are innocent, this time and before. The ARU reviewed all contracts at end of '06 and new contracts signed for '07 - ARU board confirmed all was within agreement guidelines at time of signings (these have since been changed). Legal action is expensive and sensible people know it is a last resort option for any business. People who jump into law suits at the drop of a hat lose lots of money and credibility.
4) SMH and Ryle are not spot on. They (both) have a reputation for shoddy journlism, he may be a well published journalist - that is not the same as being a good one.
5) Any problem is not 'Massive', there may be something - its not massive and there is no evidence that it needs 'cleaning up'. As for 'other cover ups' - still waiting are we?
6) Its not that we don't beleive you, or your passion, we have no faith in SMH based on past records.
7) SMH has no interest in EWF or helping members. Its a paper, they want to sell papers - end of story.
8) No evidence of any need to 'clean up' the EWF administration. All evidence is that it is a highly profesional and proficient body, which may be a great annoyance to some old styly rugby administrators.
9) EWF would be more likely to lose players by NOT honouring financial arrangements.
10) SMH knows very little, but makes a lot of noise. The 'others' you mention are deafeningly quiet.
11) Members, especially those on this forum, are privy to a lot of information that never makes the media. They are not in the dark.
12) No! Members do not own any part of the EWF or RugbyWA. RugbyWA (inc.) owns all franchise rights to the EWF. RugbyWA members, have no individual ownership either - it is an incorporated body.
13) History shows no such thing. Business, and sporting clubs, have brocken rules of governing bodie, YES! Most continue trading and life goes on after a few set backs. Business of sport is a long term game.
14) Peter O'Meara and Geoff Stooke deal with professionals. They have no need to respond to every media story. They 'come clean' at each board meeting and AGM.
Whilst I have no personal liking for Geoff Stooke (ancient stuff) he was always straight and direct. personal and Club finances have always been 'straight down the line' with Stooky - even his detractors will admit to that. I, like many on this forum, will wait for evidence and both sides to come out before we join a tirade of unsubstantiated, baseless rantings.
Welcome aboard Force1 and remember, in future - don't hold back, just put it out there. OK!
PS - sorry this has gone on a bit long.
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