Parramatta Eels will need the form of their 2005 squad to make the finals if they get docked points

FEARS the NRL will slug Parramatta with the loss of four competition points over the salary cap scandal means the Eels need to secure their most amount of wins since 2005 just to make the finals.

The Eels concede a try during the Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos NRL round 1 game at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta. pic Mark Evans

GENUINE fears that the NRL will slug Parramatta with the loss of four competition points as punishment for their salary cap scandal as early as next week will leave the Eels needing to secure their most amount of wins since the 2005 regular season to make the finals.

As the NRL prepares to call in an external auditor and forensic accountants to delve into the club’s hidden third-party player payments, it’s the Eels’ football department who are as eager as every fed-up blue and gold supporter to see an end to the controversy.

It seems only the removal of the Eels board can save the club from the loss of competition points, given the NRL’s consistent threat to come down hard on the club in the wake of a supposed governance review with chairman John Grant ticked off on earlier this month.

The Eels could be docked four competition points. Picture: Mark Evans

The loss of points could prove devastating for the players and coaching staff, who will be left to chase a rare finals berth from the bottom of the premiership ladder.

According to Fox Sports Stats, the Eels would - before last night’s game - need to win at least 14 of their 22 matches which remain in the regular season to secure a finals berth.

The Eels have not won 14 matches in a season since 2005, when they secured 16 wins as minor premiers.

The NRL are planning to commence their audit of the Eels tomorrow with the added threat that any monetary fine by the NRL could impact coach Brad Arthur’s 2017 salary cap, forcing him to release players.

ARLC Chairman John Grant.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels will need the form of their 2005 squad to make the finals if they get docked points