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Titans, Sharks and Knights receive emergency funds from NRL
July 25, 2010 .The precarious state of finances in rugby league has never been more evident, with revelation three clubs required emergency assistance from the NRL to pay their players in 2010.
The Sunday Telegraph has reported Gold Coast Titans, Cronulla and Newcastle Knights have all asked for - and been granted - a total of $1.6 million in advances from their monthly grants because of serious cash-flow issues.
The Titans had to get $1 million paid up front and the Sharks and the Knights $300,000 each to pay football club staff, coaches and players their monthly salaries.
The three clubs are also servicing interest on huge bank overdrafts just to stay afloat.
While there is no immediate danger of any of the clubs collapsing, officials at NRL headquarters are quietly concerned - particularly in a climate when the salary cap is going up and players are demanding more money.
NRL chief executive David Gallop says he will continue to monitor all three clubs.
"They didn't ask for the money in advance just to put in the bank," Gallop said.
"It's all to do with cash flow problems.
"It's a reminder in this current climate about the importance of a salary cap to protect all the clubs and ensure their long-term survival."
Of all the clubs, the Sharks are probably in the most delicate situation, but the new board has slashed spending and is pressing ahead and looking for equity partners to redevelop land they own around the leagues club.
Asked to rate the club's financial position out of 10, Sharks chairman Damian Irvine answered: "We'd be a six - but 12 months ago, when the new board came in, we were a three."
Knights boss Steve Burraston has revealed the club has lost $1 million in ticket sales this season from demolishing the main grandstand.
"We had some cash flow problems, but we are still aiming to make a small profit this year," Burraston said.
Whats the deal with the Titans,they offer big money for Inglis but are indebt
July 25, 2010 .The precarious state of finances in rugby league has never been more evident, with revelation three clubs required emergency assistance from the NRL to pay their players in 2010.
The Sunday Telegraph has reported Gold Coast Titans, Cronulla and Newcastle Knights have all asked for - and been granted - a total of $1.6 million in advances from their monthly grants because of serious cash-flow issues.
The Titans had to get $1 million paid up front and the Sharks and the Knights $300,000 each to pay football club staff, coaches and players their monthly salaries.
The three clubs are also servicing interest on huge bank overdrafts just to stay afloat.
While there is no immediate danger of any of the clubs collapsing, officials at NRL headquarters are quietly concerned - particularly in a climate when the salary cap is going up and players are demanding more money.
NRL chief executive David Gallop says he will continue to monitor all three clubs.
"They didn't ask for the money in advance just to put in the bank," Gallop said.
"It's all to do with cash flow problems.
"It's a reminder in this current climate about the importance of a salary cap to protect all the clubs and ensure their long-term survival."
Of all the clubs, the Sharks are probably in the most delicate situation, but the new board has slashed spending and is pressing ahead and looking for equity partners to redevelop land they own around the leagues club.
Asked to rate the club's financial position out of 10, Sharks chairman Damian Irvine answered: "We'd be a six - but 12 months ago, when the new board came in, we were a three."
Knights boss Steve Burraston has revealed the club has lost $1 million in ticket sales this season from demolishing the main grandstand.
"We had some cash flow problems, but we are still aiming to make a small profit this year," Burraston said.
Whats the deal with the Titans,they offer big money for Inglis but are indebt
