21 May 2015

Eels punished for cap breaches

6:35 pm on 21 May 2015

The Parramatta Eels will be docked points and are facing a hefty fine for breaching the National Rugby League salary cap last year.

Parramatta Eels players looking dismayed.

Parramatta Eels players looking dismayed. Photo: Photosport

Parramatta have been fined $565,000 and the NRL will deduct four competition points for breaches of the cap at the start of next season - unless the Eels undertake an independent review of their governance and organisational capability - and implement changes recommended by that review.

Meanwhile Queensland have called Newcastle's Dane Gagai into the squad as they monitor recovering fullback Billy Slater and an "unwell" Greg Inglis ahead of the State of Origin opener.

Already reeling from Daly Cherry-Evans' withdrawal, the Maroons are now sweating on superstar Inglis after giving Slater (shoulder) until Saturday to prove his fitness.

As insurance, Gagai has been called into the squad and is expected to train with the Maroons on Thursday afternoon at their Gold Coast camp.