Wayne Bennett could kill off Kade Snowden deal
WAYNE Bennett's possible signing with the Newcastle Knights could cost the club the signature of tearaway Origin front-rower Kade Snowden unless the Sharks star takes a substantial paycut.
Bennett has had an unwritten rule throughout his coaching career that front-rowers should not be paid more than $300,000 a year to ensure an even spread of talent across the team.
His premiership-winning Dragons outfit is renowned for being a champion team rather than a team of champions, using a group of disciplined hard workers up front rather than superstar props.
At the Broncos he was famous for releasing champion prop Glenn Lazarus to Melbourne Storm and for allowing Petero Civoniceva to sign with Penrith.
He also got rid of Jason Ryles because he was on over $300,000 at St George Illawarra, and at the Broncos years ago he did not try to match Andrew Gee's offer to join Warrington.
The only exception to the rule was champion Maroons prop Shane Webcke, but it's common knowledge he played for "unders" at the Broncos because he never wanted to leave Brisbane.
Kade Snowden could not be contacted yesterday but he has told Sharks teammates in recent days he is worried about Bennett's reputation for not splashing out on front-rowers. He could decide to take a $250,000 paycut over four years for the chance to play under the supercoach and move home to be with his parents.
Snowden's manager Todd Buckingham said the Sharks prop was not concerned about the contract negotiations stalling.
"Everyone can see it's not affecting Kade's form for the Sharks," Buckingham said, "It's just business as usual and we're all comfortable with the situation.
"I spoke to the Knights last week and they've obviously got a few things to put in place before they can put an offer on the table."
Cronulla offered Snowden $1.1 million over three years and Buckingham agreed in principle before Nathan Tinkler phoned Snowden and asked him to hold off.
