NRL enforcing rules with Inglis scrutiny

Greg Inglis. Photo / Getty Images

The NRL insists it is simply ensuring rules are being enforced as Greg Inglis' controversial deal with South Sydney continues to come under the microscope.

The probe into Inglis' three-year $A1.8 million deal entered a second week on Monday, with third party deals totalling $A200,000 a season of particular interest to salary cap auditor Ian Schubert.

While much has been made of whether the NRL will allow the Rabbitohs to include only $A190,000 of the contract into the cap for next season, an NRL spokesperson claimed the cap amount in relation to his total remuneration was not in question.

Rather, the issue at hand is whether the third-party deals had been organised by the club in order to get Inglis to Redfern.

According to salary cap rules posted on the NRL website regarding third-party payments:

"The basic guide is that if a player is receiving money from any person as a way of inducing him to play for the club, then that money will be included in the salary cap."

It is believed South Sydney will be lodging four statutory declarations with the NRL indicating the validity of the third-party deals, which are valued at $A100,000, $A50,000 and two deals at $A25,000.

But hurting South Sydney's assertion that the third party deals are genuine is Hollywood owner Russell Crowe's claim on US television that the Rabbitohs had snared Inglis on a $A1.8 million deal.

According to the figures which have been reported, the $A1.8 million mark would only be reached with the inclusion of the $A600,000 in third-party deals.

"It's not a case of what has to be in the cap in terms of a figure," an NRL spokesperson said.

"The point is, if you are getting paid something to be at that club, regardless of who's paying you beyond the marquee player allowance - if it's to be at that club, it's going to be in the cap."

While the Inglis situation showed no sign of resolution, it seems Timana Tahu's days as a Parramatta Eel could come to an end on Tuesday.

Tahu, unsigned for next season, has failed to return for pre-season training after being given leave by the club to attend to personal matters.

But it appears the Eels patience has run out, with the club expected to close the door of the dual international's second tour of duty with the club following his return to rugby league after a two-year stint in rugby union.

There is no indication where Tahu will end up in 2011, with former club Newcastle having already stated they had no room for another centre.

- AAP