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Canterbury Bulldogs centre Tim Lafai shocked by Manly Sea Eagles switch speculation | smh.com.au
Canterbury centre Tim Lafai said he had no idea where social media posts that linked him to Manly in 2016 had originated amid speculation Parramatta centre Will Hopoate could be at the Bulldogs on a multi-year deal in 2016.
After a protracted contractual dispute, Hopoate's barrister, Julieanne Levick, is expected to serve a statement of claim at the Supreme Court on Friday seeking the Parramatta contract in full, damages and all legal fees after a stand-off about the validity of the deal that was offered to him by the club's former chief executive, Scott Seward.
The Eels had not attempted to register the contract with the NRL because club officials realised the money being offered to Hopoate would tip them over the salary cap. Parramatta have argued Hopoate's contract wasn't valid because it hasn't been presented to the NRL.
Hopoate's impending legal action has fuelled speculation he was poised to join the Bulldogs on a minimal contract with the Eels propping up his salary by several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Such a move would reunite Hopoate with his former Manly coach, Des Hasler, who is now at Belmore but the rumour mill suggested that scenario would result in Lafai leaving the club despite a year remaining on his Bulldogs deal.
Lafai said on Thursday afternoon the rumours were astounding. "I've heard about them, I only found out a few days ago through my agent but I haven't looked too much into it," the 24-year-old said. "I'm happy at Canterbury ... as far as I know it's just rumours going around. [It's annoying] but that's just part of being in this industry, as a footy player. There's always rumours and you take them as they come but there's no truth in that one."
Hopoate's manager, Tyran Smith, said while there was interest from a number of clubs in signing the State of Origin player should he and the Eels part ways, he insisted there was no agreement with anyone. "There is nothing there at all," Smith said. "The report is not right, nothing has been signed and nothing has been agreed to."
Lafai said he did not want the speculation concerning him - and Hopoate - to be a distraction ahead of Canterbury's match against the Gold Coast on Sunday. "I've got to focus on my footy and the Bulldogs for these last few matches," he said. "You can't worry too much about what's [said to be] going on."
Meanwhile, Bulldogs winger Sam Perrett said he was hopeful of being able to announce a new deal with the club before Sunday's match against the Titans. "We've been talking but the deal hasn't been officially done," he said. "It's a great team, a great club and the coaching staff has been fantastic. Des [coach Hasler] has the record and shows what he can bring out of teams. That's why I'm excited by the thought of staying here. I would like to finish here. I'm 30 now and I'd definitely like to stay for a few more years."
Canterbury centre Tim Lafai said he had no idea where social media posts that linked him to Manly in 2016 had originated amid speculation Parramatta centre Will Hopoate could be at the Bulldogs on a multi-year deal in 2016.
After a protracted contractual dispute, Hopoate's barrister, Julieanne Levick, is expected to serve a statement of claim at the Supreme Court on Friday seeking the Parramatta contract in full, damages and all legal fees after a stand-off about the validity of the deal that was offered to him by the club's former chief executive, Scott Seward.
The Eels had not attempted to register the contract with the NRL because club officials realised the money being offered to Hopoate would tip them over the salary cap. Parramatta have argued Hopoate's contract wasn't valid because it hasn't been presented to the NRL.
Hopoate's impending legal action has fuelled speculation he was poised to join the Bulldogs on a minimal contract with the Eels propping up his salary by several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Such a move would reunite Hopoate with his former Manly coach, Des Hasler, who is now at Belmore but the rumour mill suggested that scenario would result in Lafai leaving the club despite a year remaining on his Bulldogs deal.
Lafai said on Thursday afternoon the rumours were astounding. "I've heard about them, I only found out a few days ago through my agent but I haven't looked too much into it," the 24-year-old said. "I'm happy at Canterbury ... as far as I know it's just rumours going around. [It's annoying] but that's just part of being in this industry, as a footy player. There's always rumours and you take them as they come but there's no truth in that one."
Hopoate's manager, Tyran Smith, said while there was interest from a number of clubs in signing the State of Origin player should he and the Eels part ways, he insisted there was no agreement with anyone. "There is nothing there at all," Smith said. "The report is not right, nothing has been signed and nothing has been agreed to."
Lafai said he did not want the speculation concerning him - and Hopoate - to be a distraction ahead of Canterbury's match against the Gold Coast on Sunday. "I've got to focus on my footy and the Bulldogs for these last few matches," he said. "You can't worry too much about what's [said to be] going on."
Meanwhile, Bulldogs winger Sam Perrett said he was hopeful of being able to announce a new deal with the club before Sunday's match against the Titans. "We've been talking but the deal hasn't been officially done," he said. "It's a great team, a great club and the coaching staff has been fantastic. Des [coach Hasler] has the record and shows what he can bring out of teams. That's why I'm excited by the thought of staying here. I would like to finish here. I'm 30 now and I'd definitely like to stay for a few more years."
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