NRL: Storm lawyer says NRL against quick resolution

Craig Bellamy looks on during a Melbourn Storm NRL training session. Photo / Getty Images

MELBOURNE: The NRL is "foxing" by pretending it wants the Melbourne Storm case to be finalised in court soon, says a lawyer for the club.

The Storm's four independent directors are seeking a Victorian Supreme Court injunction to restrain the NRL from imposing its salary cap breach penalties, which included stripping the club of its 2007 and 2009 premiership and preventing it playing for competition points this season.

It argues the penalties are in breach of NRL rules and the decision-making process in imposing them was not fair.

Responding to questions from Justice Tony Pagone about why the matter should be heard soon, Storm barrister Allan Myers, QC, yesterday said the matter needed to be decided urgently.

"The rugby season will be over before it is dealt with if we do not deal with it soon," he said.

NRL lawyer Michael O'Bryan said the NRL was also keen for the matter to be dealt with expeditiously believing it was in the best interests of the competition. "We would like to have this matter resolved and concluded because it is better for the competition," he said.

But Myers disputed that."My friend is foxing, pretending he wants the matter to be heard soon, but really is doing everything he can to avoid it."

Justice Pagone said he had three days available to hear the matter in August, where a decision may be reached before the finals series begins on September 10.

- AAP