Salary cap comes under microscope One that got away: Salary cap issues forced Israel Folau to rugby after Parramatta were unable to strike a deal with the player and NRL. Folau scored in his Wallabies' debut on Saturday. A panel will be set up within a matter of weeks to decide on future applications of the salary cap, before a complete review of the cap and its perceived antiquated machinations for next year and beyond. Depending on who you talk to, the new panel will either give salary cap auditor Ian Schubert more support, or dilute his powers - or both. What is clear is that Schubert's sole discretionary powers over matters of the cap will be taken away by the formation of a panel of experts, which will include the current auditor. The machinations of the salary cap have been heavily criticised this year following Israel Folau's decision to sign with rugby union following delays in Parramatta's attempts to sign him, as well as the second-tier salary cap restrictions that forced Penrith youngster Matt Moylan to be sidelined. A meeting of the salary cap review committee last Wednesday decided on the swift action, while also planning more longer-term change through its review. While chief operating officer Jim Doyle, who oversees the cap, gave his support to Schubert, he felt decisions on the salary cap needed to be made by a panel, in a similar way that a judiciary panel makes the calls on foul play. While the rules will not change this year - which will still throw Moylan's short-term availability to play NRL into some doubt - any application will now be looked upon with fresh eyes and perspective. Doyle said former coaches and players would be considered for a likely three- or four-man panel. He said the cap review committee had felt that a "review of the whole thing" was needed, rather than reacting to the controversies of this year. If officials moved now to change the restrictions that led to Moylan being sidelined, and young Sydney Roosters forward Kane Evans being denied the chance to play in the NRL last Friday night, more problems could be created for other players and clubs, Doyle said. As such, a complete review of the salary cap will then be carried out before next season and beyond. "We know how significant the salary cap is to the whole game," Doyle said. So let's do the whole thing properly - focus on delivering the best outcome rather than just reacting to this year. The salary cap and its enforcement have been an integral part of the game's success since the formation of the NRL. The fact that it has been in place for so long and the fact that it is so important underlines the value of a proper review to ensure it meets the needs of the future. You can't simply change the rules mid-season, but we do intend to give Ian Schubert greater support by establishing a panel of appropriately qualified people to assist him in determining any applications under the current system. Ian Schubert plays a valuable role in what can be at times difficult circumstances but, again, he can only apply the rules as they are laid down.