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The grub of a human doesnt even bother trying to hide it.

Feki is bae

Juniors
Messages
377
Storm should have been farked off out of the NRL for their systematic salary cap rorts. Now they have simply moved their systematic cheating onto the field
 

sandshark

Bench
Messages
3,692
MELBOURNE Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys have found a legal way to exploit next year’s salary cap by a combined $1.5 million in staging a testimonial game for Maroons legends Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

In a dangerous precedent, the NRL will allow the two clubs to play a trial match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in February with all gate takings, sponsorship, merchandise and potential TV rights being shared by the two superstars.

They could become the code’s first $2 million stars by collecting up to $750,000 each — which is exempt from the salary cap — on top of their $1.3 million playing contracts.

The timing is interesting in that Smith, as president of the RLPA, is entangled in bitter negotiations with NRL powerbrokers over the collective bargaining agreement.

Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy declined to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.

His club could the benefit again next year by putting on a similar ‘charity’ game for Billy Slater.

Under the ‘testimonial’ arrangement, the Storm could hypothetically pay the champion fullback less than his market value but offer him up to $750,000 from a one-off game.

The code’s rules allow for testimonial matches but they are rarely approved by the NRL.

Given the status of these two players the NRL felt it was appropriate.

Both clubs and the players’ managers have worked on the loophole for a number of months.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said Smith and Thurston deserved the chance to play in a testimonial match.

“We do not approve these matches lightly but there is no doubt these are two of the best players to play the game,” he said.

“Not only have they reached the highest level in representing their State and country but they have done it in style.

“They are both a credit to the game and fans deserve the chance to pay respect to them.”

It also opens the door for rival clubs to escape salary cap pressure by offering other long-time champions like Paul Gallen at the Cronulla Sharks a money-making swan song.

It is interesting in that Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of the NRL in the recent pay dispute.

He has even threatened to boycott the Dally M Awards by recently saying: “If it’s the right thing to do for our playing group I’m willing to sacrifice that night.”

‘Off the record’ conversations with club chief executives indicate there will be a backlash.

Especially at clubs like the Canterbury Bulldogs who are desperately trying to move players on but unaware that players like their skipper James Graham could also have been offered a testimonial.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n/news-story/f045da6546718973540558fcaf2eb105
 

isaiah

Bench
Messages
4,629
If Gallen had a testicularmonial game, who would go? Might make $45. Nearly as much as his boxing career.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jak

M2D2

Bench
Messages
4,693
pretty much, but him going was enough to get back under the cap. as they took paycuts.
 

Card Shark

Immortal
Messages
32,237
If Gallen had a testicularmonial game, who would go? Might make $45. Nearly as much as his boxing career.

Love him or hate him, he's achieved way more in the game than all-but the elite.

So stiff shit to keyboard warriors who criticize the real warriors of the game.

f**k off back to Queensland!
 

Inferno

Coach
Messages
18,205
MELBOURNE Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys have found a legal way to exploit next year’s salary cap by a combined $1.5 million in staging a testimonial game for Maroons legends Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

In a dangerous precedent, the NRL will allow the two clubs to play a trial match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in February with all gate takings, sponsorship, merchandise and potential TV rights being shared by the two superstars.

They could become the code’s first $2 million stars by collecting up to $750,000 each — which is exempt from the salary cap — on top of their $1.3 million playing contracts.

The timing is interesting in that Smith, as president of the RLPA, is entangled in bitter negotiations with NRL powerbrokers over the collective bargaining agreement.

Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy declined to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.

His club could the benefit again next year by putting on a similar ‘charity’ game for Billy Slater.

Under the ‘testimonial’ arrangement, the Storm could hypothetically pay the champion fullback less than his market value but offer him up to $750,000 from a one-off game.

The code’s rules allow for testimonial matches but they are rarely approved by the NRL.

Given the status of these two players the NRL felt it was appropriate.

Both clubs and the players’ managers have worked on the loophole for a number of months.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said Smith and Thurston deserved the chance to play in a testimonial match.

“We do not approve these matches lightly but there is no doubt these are two of the best players to play the game,” he said.

“Not only have they reached the highest level in representing their State and country but they have done it in style.

“They are both a credit to the game and fans deserve the chance to pay respect to them.”

It also opens the door for rival clubs to escape salary cap pressure by offering other long-time champions like Paul Gallen at the Cronulla Sharks a money-making swan song.

It is interesting in that Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of the NRL in the recent pay dispute.

He has even threatened to boycott the Dally M Awards by recently saying: “If it’s the right thing to do for our playing group I’m willing to sacrifice that night.”

‘Off the record’ conversations with club chief executives indicate there will be a backlash.

Especially at clubs like the Canterbury Bulldogs who are desperately trying to move players on but unaware that players like their skipper James Graham could also have been offered a testimonial.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...n/news-story/f045da6546718973540558fcaf2eb105

What the actual f**k.
 
Messages
14,247
I actually like it that they've found a loop hole and are exploiting it.
Problem for the NRL is that if they dont contest it whose to stop everyone doing it. Do they determine who can and who cant?
If Gal and Lewy were to do this next year you'd have to find an opposing club with a player, or players, in the same position. What are the options?
 
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