Audits of the 2010 season show the Tigers breached the salary-cap. Photo / Getty Images
The Wests Tigers are facing a $187,000 fine for a salary-cap breach, the news arriving within minutes of the National Rugby League (NRL) releasing its report into the Melbourne Storm scandal.
Audits of the 2010 season show the Tigers breached the cap by claiming a long-serving player allowance despite advice
from the NRL they were not eligible to do so.
Tigers officials immediately denied the breach, which could cost them $187,140.
"Wests Tigers have always supported the NRL salary-cap principles and rules," a club statement read.
"In relation to our 2010 position, however, we strongly disagree with the findings of the salary-cap audit."
Gold Coast, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Canberra were also fined in relation to the use of second-tier players and the categorisation of education grants, accommodation and termination payments.
The Titans were hit with $76,380, the Eels $44,988, the Raiders $31,657 and the Dragons $15,694.
Gold Coast copped a further $2,500 fine for failing to properly register a Toyota Cup player.
The NRL released the findings just minutes after its long awaited report into the Storm's $3.1 million rort was made public.
League boss David Gallop said clubs were learning a lesson.
"The compliance across the vast majority of clubs has been encouraging but the penalties are a reminder that the salary cap will be enforced," he said in a statement.
"Six clubs were breached last year, most notably the Storm. It is pleasing to see the number down this year but the warning bells for anyone looking to break the rules could not be any louder.
"For the most part we are seeing a genuine wish to comply with the rules from the clubs but this remains an area in which we are always conducting thorough investigations."
The clubs have until May 20 to make submissions to the NRL in relation to the breaches before any penalties are imposed.
- AAP
