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Knights face MacDougall decision
- Exclusive by Barry Toohey
- July 13, 2010 12:00AM
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Future at Knights uncertain...Adam MacDougall. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph
NEWCASTLE are facing an agonising call on the future of veteran centre Adam MacDougall, with a proposed increase in salary cap incentives for long-serving players unlikely to be rubber-stamped in time to extend his career into a 15th season.
The game's oldest survivor, 35-year-old MacDougall continues to defy Father Time but remains uncertain if he is ready to retire at the end of the season.
Against the Sharks last Sunday, he played like he could squeeze another year out of his seemingly ageless body. But he is well aware he may not get that opportunity unless the NRL moves quickly to increase incentives for clubs to retain their veteran players.
MacDougall is not the only player who may miss the boat to cash in on possible changes to the cap.
Bulldogs halfback Brett Kimmorley and Roosters stalwart Anthony Minichiello could also be forced into making decisions on their playing futures. Minichiello has hinted he might be forced overseas if no offer is forthcoming from the Roosters, as he can't see himself playing for any other NRL club.
At a time when the NRL has already announced an overall increase in next year's cap and a doubling of the marquee allowance from $150,000 to $300,000, there has also been talk of increasing current modest allowances outside the cap for the game's elder statesmen.
"There is currently $100,000 there for clubs who have players with eight years' service," NRL official John Brady said. "There have been discussions about increasing that again but we haven't come up with the mechanism for that as yet."
Newcastle are in rebuilding mode with the club's main recruitment priority centred around the halfback position and finding replacements for forwards Danny Wicks and Chris Houston. They have signed prop Antonio Kaufusi from the Cowboys and Dragons back-rower Neville Costigan and are believed to be close to snaring NSW Origin enforcer Luke O'Donnell.
Showing him the respect he deserves, Knights coach Rick Stone is keeping an open mind on MacDougall but admitted salary cap concessions would make it far easier for clubs to give long-serving players the opportunity to go out on their own terms. "Clubs should be able to reward loyalty, just as clubs should be rewarded for developing juniors who go on to play first grade," Stone said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...dougall-decision/story-e6frexnr-1225890967999