Schoolboy signs for big money
By James Phelps
July 26, 2007 MOST schoolchildren would consider themselves lucky to get $10 a week to spend at the tuckshop - but 16-year-old rugby league sensation Greg Waddell has signed a deal with Penrith under which he will earn $100,000 before he finishes school.
Waddell's manager, Alan Gainey, who also looks after Melbourne superstar Greg Inglis, said last night that his client's deal would make him the richest schoolboy rugby league player in history.
"It would have to be the biggest deal for a schoolkid," Gainey said.
"I had Inglis, too, but he was a bit older.
"I think it is fair to say there has never been this must interest in a kid.
"I had every NRL club making inquiries about him."
Penrith won the race to secure the young centre, considered to be the hottest young talent in the country, signing Waddell yesterday on a deal that could earn him $500,000 by the end of 2010.
The St Dominic' s Year 11 student hasn't played a junior Jersey Flegg match yet, but that didn't stop every club in the NRL from chasing his signature.
One Sydney club is understood to have offered Waddell a contract worth $150,000 a year.
The Australian Schoolboys star said in his first interview that he was "stoked" he wouldn't have to work, and he hoped to crack the NRL next year.
"I am a Penrith junior so it's great to be staying," Waddell said.
"It's where I started off, and they have helped me along the way.
"I don't have to work or nothing any more, so I will help look after my parents and nan."
Storm recruitment officer Peter O'Sullivan, a nationally respected judge of talent, described Waddell as one of the best young players he had seen.
"He is that good, he will be a superstar," O'Sullivan said.
"He is as good as any I have seen and right at the top of the pile.
"Body shape, weight, size, it is all very good.
"Every club would have been interested. It is good work by the Panthers keeping him."
Penrith coach Matt Elliott said Waddell could play in the NRL next year.
"It is very good news for the club," Elliott said.
"We are really lucky because Greg represents some of the exciting talent we have.
"He is probably the modern prototype player.
"Physically, he is a great athlete. He is a fantastic trainer and already has some leadership qualities.
"He has just got a great game awareness."
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