Here is something else which just came to mind. Before anybody thinks I am excusing cheating the salary cap , I am not and don't. Let us just say that it is true that Todd Greenberg indeed dislikes Manly with a passion. It definitely comes across that way at times. It is no secret that the NRL would love another team based in QLD , Perth or wherever. They have also stated previously (more than once) that 16 teams is the right amount (which I agree with).
Also the argument there is too many Sydney teams. If they could get rid of a Sydney based team or get / force one to relocate then I am sure that we would be the top pick or close to it.
If you look at the other Sydney teams then they probably have more political power than we do. Get rid / relocate Parra , Canterbury , Easts , Souths , Penrith - not a chance in hell. Out of the Wests Tigers / Dragons / Cronulla and us , we would be the team most in danger in many ways.
Not as wealthy , lower supporter base / membership than some , also not a part of Sydney that the league seems to particularly give two hoots about. Basically if there was no team based in Central Coast / north of harbour bridge ever again then I don't think that the NRL would lose too much sleep.
First the match fixing allegations. No apology. If we are indeed guilty of this the salary cap breaches then show true facts and stop stating POTENTIAL breaches. I think the NRL would love if Manly went bust / broke.
We definitely seem to take more allegations / hits than other teams .
This is not the conclusion that I have come too out of all this but just something which crossed my mind today.
Feel free to disagree / shout me down if this comes across as a pile of dribble.