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Revealed: Get-out clause in Darren Lockyer's contract
Article from: The Sunday Telegraph
By Phil Rothfield and Peter Badel
February 03, 2008 12:00am
TEST captain Darren Lockyer is free to leave Brisbane if master coach Wayne Bennett walks out on the Broncos.
In an intriguing twist to persistent innuendo over Bennett's future at Red Hill, The Sunday Telegraph has learned Lockyer has a get-out clause in his contract, making him a free agent should Bennett quit the Broncos.
Fresh speculation last week claimed Bennett will inform the Broncos board at a scheduled meeting on Tuesday that he will stand down at season's end - 12 months before his deal expires.
Off-contract at the end of 2009, Bennett has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra, whose coach Nathan Brown is unsigned for next season. North Queensland and the Bulldogs are other clubs touted as a possible home for the six-time premiership-winner.
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen insists Lockyer's current deal, which expires at the end of 2009, does not contain a get-out clause.
But sources close to the Broncos confirmed Lockyer is contractually entitled to quit the club if Bennett is not at the helm.
While there is no suggestion Lockyer would activate the clause - inserted as part of a five-season deal he signed in August 2004 - there would be no shortage of rival clubs prepared to engage in a bidding war for the Maroons and Australian maestro.
Cullen last night denied Bennett was on the verge of quitting the club he has coached since 1988.
"Wayne has given us no indication at all. He is not even on the agenda for discussion. Unless it comes out of the blue, we're just looking forward to the annual board meeting," Cullen said.
"Our stance hasn't changed. The speculation has been going on since the Roosters stuff in 2006 (when Bennett privately agreed to coach the Bondi club before pulling out when it became public knowledge)."
Cullen conceded the constant speculation has become a source of irritation but is confident Bennett will see out his existing deal.
"Every couple of months there is a story about Wayne staying or going or me and Wayne fighting. Our line has continually been the same - Wayne's contract is until the end of 2009 and it will remain so," Cullen said.
In a further twist, it is understood Canberra coach Neil Henry is regarded as a potential replacement for Bennett at the Broncos.
But yesterday Raiders chairman John McIntyre said the club had no plans to lose Henry.
Article from: The Sunday Telegraph
By Phil Rothfield and Peter Badel
February 03, 2008 12:00am
TEST captain Darren Lockyer is free to leave Brisbane if master coach Wayne Bennett walks out on the Broncos.
In an intriguing twist to persistent innuendo over Bennett's future at Red Hill, The Sunday Telegraph has learned Lockyer has a get-out clause in his contract, making him a free agent should Bennett quit the Broncos.
Fresh speculation last week claimed Bennett will inform the Broncos board at a scheduled meeting on Tuesday that he will stand down at season's end - 12 months before his deal expires.
Off-contract at the end of 2009, Bennett has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra, whose coach Nathan Brown is unsigned for next season. North Queensland and the Bulldogs are other clubs touted as a possible home for the six-time premiership-winner.
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen insists Lockyer's current deal, which expires at the end of 2009, does not contain a get-out clause.
But sources close to the Broncos confirmed Lockyer is contractually entitled to quit the club if Bennett is not at the helm.
While there is no suggestion Lockyer would activate the clause - inserted as part of a five-season deal he signed in August 2004 - there would be no shortage of rival clubs prepared to engage in a bidding war for the Maroons and Australian maestro.
Cullen last night denied Bennett was on the verge of quitting the club he has coached since 1988.
"Wayne has given us no indication at all. He is not even on the agenda for discussion. Unless it comes out of the blue, we're just looking forward to the annual board meeting," Cullen said.
"Our stance hasn't changed. The speculation has been going on since the Roosters stuff in 2006 (when Bennett privately agreed to coach the Bondi club before pulling out when it became public knowledge)."
Cullen conceded the constant speculation has become a source of irritation but is confident Bennett will see out his existing deal.
"Every couple of months there is a story about Wayne staying or going or me and Wayne fighting. Our line has continually been the same - Wayne's contract is until the end of 2009 and it will remain so," Cullen said.
In a further twist, it is understood Canberra coach Neil Henry is regarded as a potential replacement for Bennett at the Broncos.
But yesterday Raiders chairman John McIntyre said the club had no plans to lose Henry.