“During negotiations, this communication was not disclosed by the Melbourne Storm to the Parramatta Eels. It is not known whether any other communications have occurred between the NRL and the Melbourne Storm concerning the placing of pressure or otherwise on the Parramatta Eels to accept offers made by the Melbourne Storm.”
The Eels also alleged that in a phone call between Tripp and Eels counterpart Matthew Beach on January 13, the latter again rejected a $200,000 transfer fee.
“During the telephone call, Mr Tripp referred to the possibility of punitive steps being taken by the NRL against Parramatta Eels in relation to its salary cap if Parramatta Eels did not agree to the proposal being put forward by the Melbourne Storm,” according to a document the Eels tendered to the court.
“This assertion by the Melbourne Storm was intended or had the tendency to exert pressure on the Parramatta Eels in circumstances where the NRL had never communicated such a stance to the Parramatta Eels.”
The Eels raised the assertion in writing on January 22 with Abdo, who denied the NRL had made such a statement to the Storm.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has publicly supported Lomax, raising concerns about his mental state and claimed the star winger has copped a public pile-on akin only to that endured by Latrell Mitchell.
“I know the character of the bloke, he’s a good person,” V’landys told this masthead earlier this month, pointing to charity work he had undertaken.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.Credit: Getty
In court on Tuesday, the barrister acting for the Eels, Arthur Moses, said it was appropriate Tripp should have to provide his evidence in person.
“Mr Tripp is not only a witness in this case, he is a central player in respect of this saga,” Moses said.
“He is the one who of course who made the initial contact with Parramatta in respect of Mr Lomax going across to the Storm.
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“He is the one who has given comfort to Mr Lomax by having the Melbourne Storm not only reach an agreement with him, in respect of him playing for the Storm subject to contractual terms, but also indemnifying him in respect of the restraint that is now being said is invalid weeks after he and his lawyers not only assisted in the drafting of it, but agreed to its terms.
“He is a strategist behind the matter. He is not a witness – we say he is an actor in respect to this. He has a big part …
“Mr Tripp looms large in respect of the matter. His credibility is at issue in respect to the proceedings.”