Sponsor payments shelved
By Steve Mascord
March 17, 2005
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Proposals for two players per club to be paid directly by sponsors this year had been scrapped, NRL chief executive David Gallop revealed last night. But despite considerable opposition from clubs, the "licences to earn" might still be issued in time to help teams retain players for 2006.
Gallop conceded players would not receive salary-cap relief this year after being told the results of a Herald survey in which only Sydney Roosters and Melbourne supported the idea.
Twelve clubs either opposed the plan completely or did not want it brought in until next season, while Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway declined to comment and Brisbane's Bruno Cullen said he didn't mind when it was introduced.
"We have already come to that conclusion," Gallop responded. "Having spoken to the clubs about the matter, we came up with a few refinements and that was one of them. After speaking to the chief executives ... we felt it wasn't going to materialise for 2005."
Gallop stressed that if players and clubs were willing to wait a few weeks, they could still put together contract packages including third-party agreements for next season, should the proposal be given the green light by the NRL partnership.
"It was a moot point anyway, having it for this year, because the players negotiating with their clubs now are negotiating for 2006," he said. "We would like to think we could reach a decision in the next few weeks."
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron said he hoped the rule would help the club retain halfback Matt Orford, with whom it is currently negotiating.
Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said: "We take the view that if there is an avenue to bring new money into the game, let's get it in as soon as possible."
Since the Herald's previous straw poll of clubs on the issue, on March 3, South Sydney, Cronulla, Parramatta and Wests Tigers have joined Penrith, Canberra and North Queensland in complete opposition to the plan. At best, that means an 8-7 split in favour of the so-called marquee-player rule.
But clubs won't get the final say: Gallop and salary-cap auditor Ian Schubert are to make a recommendation to the partnership.
In other news, Penrith chief executive Mick Leary said last night the Panthers would have to look for a new five-eighth if Preston Campbell remained unsigned after June 30.
Tony Puletua has extended his tenure at the club until the end of 2009, leaving Campbell as the only high-profile Panther yet to commit beyond this season.
"I want to stress that we are very confident of Preston making up his mind in the next couple of weeks," Leary said. "I don't want to put any deadline on him ... if he was still unsigned after June 30, I suppose I would have to start looking for a new five-eighth or give the money to a young bloke."
Puletua, 25, said: "I would like to finish my career at Penrith."
Cronulla prop Danny Nutley was last night banned for two weeks after failing to challenge a dangerous-throw charge.
Sharks director and legal counsel Jim Barnett claimed teammate Keith Galloway was more responsible for the tackle on Penrith's Luke Priddis last Saturday. The disciplinary committee disagreed.
Brisbane forward Neville Costigan faces a five-week suspension for a spear tackle while playing for feeder team Toowoomba last Sunday. And an knee injury to prop Petero Civoniceva has increased the chances of Dane Carlaw returning from shoulder surgery against the Warriors on Saturday night.
The future of the Tri-Nations is to be discussed at the weekend when the Rugby League International Federation executive meets at Coogee.
Q: Should salary-cap concessions involving two players per club be introduced this year?
No: North Queensland, Bulldogs, Canberra, Warriors, Manly, Cronulla, Penrith, South Sydney, Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers.
Yes: Sydney Roosters, Melbourne.
Undecided: Brisbane.
No comment: Newcastle.
