The rebel ticket threatening to wrestle control of the Parramatta Eels from Denis Fitzgerald has earned the support of more than 90 per cent of the club's fan base - but their push has been rocked by claims front-man Terry Leabeater is ineligible to stand.
The shock claims arrive in the wake of a damning News Ltd poll in which 2158 people backed the removal of veteran CEO Fitzgerald, with just 142 people supporting the embattled boss.
Leabeater, Parramatta's 1986 premiership hero, is running for a place on the seven-man ticket which will challenge the current board along with former teammates Ray Price and Eric Grothe.
But it’s been revealed Leabeater is no longer a voting member of the club, and is therefore ineligible for election.
"I know I'm not worthy of being a life member but I thought I was a perpetual member because I was in a Grand Final-winning side," a furious Leabeater told News Ltd.
With doubts surrounding Leabeaters eligibility, the ticket has called former champion playmaker Brett Kenny in on standby.
"I'm ready to step in and run for the board if they stop Terry," Kenny told News Ltd.
"I've always said the former players need to be welcomed back."
The push comes ahead of next months AGM on December 14 and has sparked a dirty war of words between the factions, with Leabeater last night releasing a public letter to Eels fans telling Fitzgerald to "pull your bloody head in" [cited by News Ltd].
"I played my heart out as a member of this club's last premiership in 1986, so you give me the respect I deserve, and demand," he wrote.
"If I am attacked further I will step back and distance myself from this ticket and go on the attack, with Brett Kenny taking my spot.
"As a supporter for you over many years Denis, I implore (you) to go to this election on the merits of your team and stand on your record within the club, not on rubbish denigrating people's reputations.
"As a mate . . . pull your bloody head in."
