Ian Hindmarsh cleared to play for Eels

Parramatta backrower Ian Hindmarsh is free to play in this weekend's opening round of the NRL after gaining a temporary clearance from the Rugby Football League.

The RFL stepped into the transfer wrangle between the Eels and French Super League club Les Catalans, a dispute which threatens to bring a premature end to Hindmarsh's playing career.
Hindmarsh signed with the Eels in the off-season after the Les Catalan Dragons allowed him to walk out on the final two years of his contract.

Les Catalans are now reportedly seeking $40,000 in compensation, claiming the release was conditional on Hindmarsh not playing for another club.

Hindmarsh told club officials he wanted to return home to look after his farm in the NSW country town of Cowra, which had been hard hit by the drought. He now claims he is in no position to pay the compensation fee, which would effectively result in him playing for the Eels for free.

The game's international governing body cleared Hindmarsh to play in Saturday night's match against the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium, where he is expected to line up alongside brother and Test second-rower Nathan.

The issue of a full clearance will be discussed at a RFL tribunal hearing in Leeds on March 27.
Parramatta also announced the retention of captain Nathan Cayless for another three years, the Kiwi Test representative now tied to the Eels to the end of the 2010.

New Eels coach Michael Hagan said the signing was a significant boost on the eve of the new campaign.

"Nathan is a great leader who brings out the best in the team," Hagan said.

"He is looked up to by both the senior and junior members of the squad.

"Personally, I am delighted that I'll be working with him for the next few years."

Cayless, who made his top-grade debut for the Eels in 1997, has played 164 matches for the club.