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$7m meat market
By Peter Badel
April 3, 2005
AT least five representative stars have revealed they intend testing their value on the open market as NRL clubs prepare to jostle for $7million in Origin and Test talent.
And leading league identities predicted the NRL would witness the most intriguing bidding frenzy in years, with player manager George Mimis adamant there will be some big-name transfers.
With 84 days until the NRL's anti-tampering deadline passes, The Sunday Telegraph discovered more than 20 representative players remain unsigned by clubs.
A quarter of that group - Chris Flannery, Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Luke Bailey and Simon Woolford - already have indicated their desire to become free agents on July 1.
Other stars yet to commit for 2006 include Brett Finch, Jason Cayless, Matt Bowen, Shaun Berrigan, Matt Orford, Ryan O'Hara, Clinton Schifcofske, Preston Campbell, Matt King, Chris Walker and Danny Buderus.
In all, over 80 players are expected to flood an open market estimated to be worth around $12m.
Such quality suggests the open market may have its most enticing look since 2000, when more than 100 players were up for grabs, headed by Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Brett Kimmorley, Jason Smith and Adam MacDougall.
Mimis claimed the code was set for a flurry of activity, with five clubs - Wests Tigers, Souths, Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly - revealing they have the funds to land at least one big-name player.
"I don't recall so many rep blokes being off-contract at the one time," SFX Sports' Mimis said.
"I wouldn't be surprised at all if we saw some big names on the move.
"The salary cap will force a lot of activity. Each team generally has two or three stars they can build a team around, but there will be some very good players who will be looking for a new home."
The Rabbitohs are emerging as the major market players. With a rumoured $1million to spend after announcing a lucrative move to Telstra Stadium next season, Souths want three big names and will go hard at Anasta if the Rabbitohs junior fails to strike a new deal at Belmore.
"We'll be very active," Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said. "Our focus is on keeping some blokes we have off-contract, but we are interested in three or four high-quality players to take us to the next level."
The Storm and Cronulla have been linked with off-contract Bulldogs forward Mason. But the Sharks have nominated Dragons Test prop Bailey as their chief target to replace Jason Stevens, who will retire at season's end.
"Stevo moving on frees up a bit of money for us," Sharks chief executive Steve Rogers said.
"I expect there to be some quality on the market and we are looking for a marquee player. Luke would be the ideal replacement for Stevo."
Manly, meanwhile, may be on the lookout for an outside back after the sacking of John Hopoate. Veteran centre Terry Hill is also expected to retire at season's end.
"It's going to be a tough market. There are a lot of cashed-up clubs and we'll be looking at the market seriously," Sea Eagles chief executive Paul Cummings said.
Three clubs unlikely to be overly active are the Roosters, Bulldogs and Canberra. The Roosters have eight players off-contract, while premiers the Bulldogs are battling to keep Mason, Anasta and Sonny Bill Williams.
The Raiders have four key men still unsigned - Origin stars O'Hara and Schifcofske and former Country Origin duo Woolford and Ian Hindmarsh.
"At this stage I'd say I'll be going on to the market," Woolford said.
"My preference is to stay at Canberra, but I certainly wouldn't rule out playing elsewhere next season."
www.foxsports.com.au
By Peter Badel
April 3, 2005
AT least five representative stars have revealed they intend testing their value on the open market as NRL clubs prepare to jostle for $7million in Origin and Test talent.
And leading league identities predicted the NRL would witness the most intriguing bidding frenzy in years, with player manager George Mimis adamant there will be some big-name transfers.
With 84 days until the NRL's anti-tampering deadline passes, The Sunday Telegraph discovered more than 20 representative players remain unsigned by clubs.
A quarter of that group - Chris Flannery, Willie Mason, Braith Anasta, Luke Bailey and Simon Woolford - already have indicated their desire to become free agents on July 1.
Other stars yet to commit for 2006 include Brett Finch, Jason Cayless, Matt Bowen, Shaun Berrigan, Matt Orford, Ryan O'Hara, Clinton Schifcofske, Preston Campbell, Matt King, Chris Walker and Danny Buderus.
In all, over 80 players are expected to flood an open market estimated to be worth around $12m.
Such quality suggests the open market may have its most enticing look since 2000, when more than 100 players were up for grabs, headed by Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Brett Kimmorley, Jason Smith and Adam MacDougall.
Mimis claimed the code was set for a flurry of activity, with five clubs - Wests Tigers, Souths, Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly - revealing they have the funds to land at least one big-name player.
"I don't recall so many rep blokes being off-contract at the one time," SFX Sports' Mimis said.
"I wouldn't be surprised at all if we saw some big names on the move.
"The salary cap will force a lot of activity. Each team generally has two or three stars they can build a team around, but there will be some very good players who will be looking for a new home."
The Rabbitohs are emerging as the major market players. With a rumoured $1million to spend after announcing a lucrative move to Telstra Stadium next season, Souths want three big names and will go hard at Anasta if the Rabbitohs junior fails to strike a new deal at Belmore.
"We'll be very active," Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said. "Our focus is on keeping some blokes we have off-contract, but we are interested in three or four high-quality players to take us to the next level."
The Storm and Cronulla have been linked with off-contract Bulldogs forward Mason. But the Sharks have nominated Dragons Test prop Bailey as their chief target to replace Jason Stevens, who will retire at season's end.
"Stevo moving on frees up a bit of money for us," Sharks chief executive Steve Rogers said.
"I expect there to be some quality on the market and we are looking for a marquee player. Luke would be the ideal replacement for Stevo."
Manly, meanwhile, may be on the lookout for an outside back after the sacking of John Hopoate. Veteran centre Terry Hill is also expected to retire at season's end.
"It's going to be a tough market. There are a lot of cashed-up clubs and we'll be looking at the market seriously," Sea Eagles chief executive Paul Cummings said.
Three clubs unlikely to be overly active are the Roosters, Bulldogs and Canberra. The Roosters have eight players off-contract, while premiers the Bulldogs are battling to keep Mason, Anasta and Sonny Bill Williams.
The Raiders have four key men still unsigned - Origin stars O'Hara and Schifcofske and former Country Origin duo Woolford and Ian Hindmarsh.
"At this stage I'd say I'll be going on to the market," Woolford said.
"My preference is to stay at Canberra, but I certainly wouldn't rule out playing elsewhere next season."
www.foxsports.com.au