An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) has been scheduled for Tuesday 19 November after a group of Parramatta Leagues Club (PLC) members submitted a petition calling for the removal of four directors: Sue Coleman, Richard Foda, Mark Jenkins and Joy Cusack. In response to the proposed resolutions, the club is now required to put these to a vote by its members.
In a letter to members dated 24 October, PLC president Greg Monaghan expressed his “disappointment” over the need for this process but acknowledged that it is “absolutely vital” for members to have their voices heard. However, Monaghan urged members to vote against the resolutions, warning that removing the directors could return the club to “periods of factionalism and dysfunction.”
Monaghan also highlighted the financial burden of the EGM, estimating its cost to be at least $400,000. He emphasised that the club is currently experiencing record membership growth and strong financial performance, making the EGM, in his view, untimely.
“This EGM is not in the best interests of the PLC at a time when we have record membership growth, strong financial performance and are finalising our Masterplan for our new redevelopment,” he said.
The petition to call the EGM is being led by the Make Parra Matter Again committee, which criticises the current administration for what it sees as poor performance and mismanagement.
Committee founder and Parramatta Eels fan Michael Barrilaro told Club Management: “I’m just trying to invoke a bit of change because the current administration doesn’t know jack about the [National Rugby League] game, and that’s why they’re making mistakes and putting them in the wrong areas of the club.”
Barrilaro reveals that former PLC and Parramatta National Rugby League Club (Eels) chairman Roy Spagnolo has been quietly helping him garner support for the campaign.
The committee is focused on three pillars for change: regaining control, rebuilding the club, and uniting the Parramatta family.
“The first step towards rebuilding the Parramatta Eels is to wrest control from the current governing body. The Club’s constitution currently restricts the power of voting members to hold the board accountable for football performance. This is unacceptable,” Barrilaro stated.
“We will fight to change this, giving fans a genuine voice in the direction of the Club. By replacing four directors on the Parramatta Leagues Club board, we can establish a majority and begin the process of overhauling the entire organisation.”
However, PLC company secretary and CEO Chris Dimou clarified in a statement that any changes to the PLC board would not directly impact the governance of the Parramatta Eels. He stressed that the PLC and Eels constitutions remain separate following the governance reforms of 2016.
The current governance framework at PLC, according to the club, was introduced after a troubled period between 2009 and 2016, which saw conflicts of interest, high turnover of directors, and significant financial losses. The situation led to intervention by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) and the NSW government, where nine PLC directors at the time were declared unfit and the club was placed under administration.
The governance reforms included restructuring the board so there were separate boards for PLC and Parramatta Eels with the intention it would help avoid future conflicts and ensure each board can focus on its specific mission.
Despite this, Barrilaro goes on to argue: “What is the bedrock that both boards are built on? Rugby league. For both boards … rugby league needs to be at the forefront of every decision for the betterment of the club. Who owns the NRL license to the football team? The PLC. Who’s the constitutional protector of the PNRL? The PLC … so this idea that they’re completely separate is complete fabrication.”
The Make Parra Matter Again committee also believes that member facilities at the club need to be overhaul as it is currently “predominantly a club that is reliant on poker machines” and there is a “distinct lack of facilities for all members and their families for dining and other entertainment”.
In response to criticisms about the club’s facilities, Dimou highlighted the club’s efforts to upgrade its venues since 2020.
“Since 2020, the PLC Directors have renewed their focus on upgrading the Parra Leagues and Vikings Sports venues, and have added a third club to the group, the Dural Club, adding more amenities for members. The PLC’s current strategic plan aims to decrease reliance on poker machines,” he said.
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Yes the club so richly deserves a board who heartfeltly love the club the team and the entertainment of members to the enth we also need very badly to redecorate big time I and my brother are available to talk to you any time don’t hesitate call us