I didn't think that was the case. I thought the appeal is based on the fact that Marwan thought that the RFL were being unreasonable in their judgement and unduly harsh in their punishment. That he didn't think the original independent body was truly independent. This appeal is in front of an independent body that he selected to see whether they believe the RFL have been unfair.

Let's not deter from the facts, Meli did not respond or send any email hence no evidence to submit;

2.2 In relation to Mr Francis Meli it had been argued before the Tribunal by the RFL that this was the same as with Mr Puletua. It was argued there was a contract for £22,000 in respect of Mr Meli which was not declared. There was no evidence directly from Mr Meli, unlike with Mr Puletua whose employment tribunal claim provided the relevant evidence, but the RFL relied upon a conversation between the investigating officer, Mr Dearden, and Mr Meli and an email sent by Mr Dearden to Mr Meli recording that conversation. Importantly Mr Meli did not respond to that email at all let alone to confirm its contents. The Tribunal was not prepared to make a finding of breach on that basis. RFL contended in this appeal that the Tribunal was wrong to do so and invited the Appeal Panel to find the Club in breach in this respect.

If you do your homework, you can pick up a Maserati Ghibli for about £700 - £1000 / month with an initial outlay of 4 - 5k.....so yeh 12 month lease for 16k does sound about right.

Resident legal eagle strikes again.

My question would be who was advising the Doc on paying some players in this way as he wasn't CEO then, was he naive as a new comer to the sport and perhaps had a lack of clear understanding? Allegedly, we didn't even exceed the cap even with these payments? Don't like the way the governing body have 'gone for us' at all, leaves a real bad taste in my mouth and that of RL imo.

Do you honestly think you have been hard done to with this? Marwan didn't declare payments and the Meli thing more than likely did happen.

These case were heard independently not once but twice and it was agreed that you were guilty and the punishment was fair. I feel sorry for the fans but don't let this smoke screen blind your eyes. The failing to run the club in a fair and professional way and attract investments and increase the fan base is the issues, however if you want to hang onto this idea that RFL are out to get you feel free.

I feel for you, all small clubs want a money man to step up and turn out clubs round. However trying to discredit the ruling body and loose sight of the goal isn't the way.

Nope, think we got what we deserved. Not angry or upset with the rfl, the issue is (or hopefully was) marwan

Needs to leave it now, but I don't think his ego will allow it.

I know it's not rocket science you only have to look at the attendances, but I'll admit I know of 10 people who have been season ticket holders for years who'd had enough of what we saw last season and decided enough was enough and I heard the words " if they want to pick and choose what games to turn up for so will I"

The same people actually thought they would still go to most games until the salary cap breach was announced, and subsequently haven't returned this season. These people have been die hards over the years.

After a while it becomes easier and cheaper to stay at home, and there is always a game on sky to watch.

I feel that a little success or at least consistency may be the only route to bring the fans back.