Long-serving former NRL boss David Gallop has reflected on the infamous Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal that rocked the game, revealing one regret in how it was handled but ultimately believing it strengthened the sport.

Gallop served as chief executive from 2002 to 2012, a tumultuous period coming in the aftermath of the Super League war and featuring several huge controversies.

None were bigger than the uncovering of the Storm’s salary cap cheating in 2010 that ultimately resulted in the stripping of their 2007 and 2009 premierships.

WATCH FACE-TO-FACE FEATURING DAVID GALLOP ON FOX LEAGUE AND KAYO SPORTS ON TUESDAY NIGHT

In a wide-ranging interview with Yvonne Sampson on Fox League’s Face-to-Face — airing on Tuesday night on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports — Gallop details how the NRL uncovered the club’s dual contract system designed to rort the system, with the key finding discovered in a humble manila folder.

He also reflected on what it was like being “the most hated man in Melbourne”, with many fans and players still harbouring angst towards him to this day.

“That (the stripping of titles) is hard to get your head around if you’re a player, I accept that,” Gallop said.

“I think I said at the time, if you’re asked to sign two contracts your alarm bells should be ringing, but I didn’t hide your contract at the CEO’s house.”

Gallop candidly admits there was one thing he would do differently.

“I regret that I didn’t immediately go down there and see them. They asked me not to,” he said. They said ‘stay away, things are a bit raw.’”

However he does believe there has been a lasting legacy.

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“I’d like to think that the strict enforcement of the cap and making sure that the competition stays even … I hope it’s still a focus now because it’s really important for rugby league to run an even competition,” he said.

Gallop‘s eventful tenure also featured the Bulldogs’ salary cap scandal and Sonny Bill Williams’ bombshell exit from the game in 2008. The fascinating full discussion airs on Tuesday night.