Panthers are pricks! Puletua and Galuvao OUT!

[DIEHARD]

The NZRL yesterday requested an independent review of the Penrith Panthers' medical reports and assessment of Tony Puletua by former All Black Medical Advisor Dr John Mayhew.

Following his review of the documents late yesterday and assessment of Tony early this morning, a letter outlining his findings was forwarded to NZRL this afternoon.

Dr Mayhew agreed with both the Penrith and Kiwis Doctors opinions that surgery is required for Tony's left ankle.

He does not however believe that delaying the surgery till the end of November would adversely affect the long-term outcome for Tony and states that normal convalesence for this type of procedure is 6 to 8 weeks.

A key point identified in both Dr Mayhew's review and Dr Chris Hanna's (Kiwi Doctor) initial assessment, is that this view is not inconsistent with Penrith's own specialist's report.

This Penrith document states that Tony "needs to decide whether he wishes to go on the next tour" and goes on to say that "If he decides to go on tour, then we would organise to review him immediately on his
return".

Dr Mayhew's report was forwarded to Penrith CEO Michael Leary this afternoon who was then contacted by the NZRL to discuss the findings.

In this discussion Mr Leary indicated to NZRL General Manager Peter Cordtz that he had not had an opportunity to read the report but added that it would not change the club's position regardless.

Mr Leary indicated that the bottom line for the Penrith Panthers is that
Tony is contractually obliged to follow the club's instructions in this matter and no amount of additional medical information would change this.

Further to this he stated that should Tony choose to tour against the club's wishes, this would be deemed a serious breach of contract and could have legal ramifications for the player.

The NZRL is not prepared to place Tony Puletua in the position where choosing country ahead of club may compromise his employment and put
him at financial or legal risk.

At this stage the NZRL is resigned to losing the services of its entire Penrith second-row unless another solution presents itself prior to the squad's departure for London on Sunday 17 October.

Peter Cordtz
General Manager
New Zealand Rugby League
Ph: (021) 459 469

 

[Ari Gold]

omg.....i cant believe that......and i thought the roosters were pricks.......this just means that Oz will easily stroll through this tri-nations....nz needed these two players because they need a very strong forward pack to make up for the lack of talent in the halves.....hope something works out for nz and galavuo and puletua.

 

[In-goal]

Penrith should be fined $500,000 for this total atrocity to the international game, this is nothing short of disgraceful.

Imagine i fines like these were imposed on clubs, the money could be put straight back into development.

 

[Ari Gold]

even though i believe the panthers should be punished, $500,000 iis a bit over the top.....

 

[SP]

as a penrith fan, i believe it is disappointing that they wouldnt let them both play. And i agree about the panthers getting a fine about it, but not half a million dollars tough

 

[DIEHARD]

Would this happen on Shane Richardson's watch?

 

[sunny]

I think it should be up big to Tony himself ultimately, but I understand Penrith's point of view here.

 

[ozboy]

The NZRL have known for weeks that Galavau was not going to be available for the GB trip and accepted that he needs the surgery and that this was no club V country row rather a necessity for the player.

As for Puletua the NZRL have also known for weeks on his situation but decided themselves to rule him fit for the tour. With one of Australias top ankle surgeons ruling a recovery period of 4 months it is fair for Penrith to rule their player out, and to be fair Puletua also seems to know it is a necessary operation as for one there have been no qoutes or demands from him to play in the series as well as himself recognising himself it is a serious injury which he has carried for quite a while during the season and is very similar to the one which ended Martin Langs career. Remember the guy is only 25 and we would much rather see him play for many years to come rather then one of the best second rowers around retiring early because of a persistant ankle injury.

 

[League Freak™]

The Panthers pay his wages.

The NZRL dont even pay their players match payments.



Only an idiot would get outraged by this.

As for Shane Richardson.....he's probably make a big announcement and have way through the press conference sign up with another club. Then he'd claim the influx of brilliant juniors as his own success.... :lol:

 

[DIEHARD]

I don't consider anyone who believes that NRL and ESL clubs putting themselves before the international game is wrong is an idiot.

 

[League Freak™]

Dont be silly.... :roll:


The Panthers made in investment in Puletua from a young age. They pay him hundreds of thousands of dollars to play in the NRL.


The NZRL pays players nothing to play test football.


Puletua knows the score. Thats why he'll head back home to get his injury seen to.


Untill the NZRL, ARL and RFL start to centrally contract players...they have no right to complain.

 

[Iafeta]

Puletua knows the score? We'll see when he's next off contract. I would doubt he'll be staying with Penrith. That club has just scourned him of what he has rightfully earnt, for no just reason. The club ankle surgeon who initially booked Puletua in for surgery has said they can wait till after the Tri Nations and he'll be fine for round 1, John Mayhew arguably one of the world's best sports doctors has concurred with that, as has Chris Hanna the NZRL doctor (and if Puletua is Australian, the equivalent doctor's opinion that he'll be fine is enough for him to be unable to be pulled out by Penrith). Considering how close he is to brother Frank, and Joe Galuvao I'd be surprised if they also don't test the market deeply when they come off contract.

That's three doctors all agreeing.

One biggot has threatened Puletua with financial and legal ramifications if he tours. Blatantly he's just told him representing New Zealand is not an honour, it is more important that you sit on your can and do as you're told. The Panthers should face a fine, undoubtably.

If this was prior to Origin, and it was Luke Lewis, Leary or whatever his name is would be saying how brave it is, and what an honour it is for Lewis to be playing Origin from Penrith. There is no way they'd even blink an eyelid to try and pull him out. If this was Luke Lewis playing for Australia, by the ARL rules they can't even budge an eyelid once he's selected to pull him out. Yet there are three or four geese who support the Panthers who cannot see the irony, and yet get all in a hot sweat when its obvious and correctly stated that they are doing a Roosters.

Ode for the return of Shane Richardson, this sort of immature nonsense would not have been tolerated. Under this bloke's control I can only see doom and gloom again for the Pennies. Hell, and I thought Mick Watson was short sighted!

 

[Iafeta]

Untill the NZRL, ARL and RFL start to centrally contract players...they have no right to complain.

Look at the irony. The Panthers can't physically pull a player from the Australian squad in the same circumstances. The ARL don't pay central contracts, do they? :roll:

 

[Iafeta]

The NZRL have known for weeks that Galavau was not going to be available for the GB trip and accepted that he needs the surgery and that this was no club V country row rather a necessity for the player.

As for Puletua the NZRL have also known for weeks on his situation but decided themselves to rule him fit for the tour. With one of Australias top ankle surgeons ruling a recovery period of 4 months it is fair for Penrith to rule their player out, and to be fair Puletua also seems to know it is a necessary operation as for one there have been no qoutes or demands from him to play in the series as well as himself recognising himself it is a serious injury which he has carried for quite a while during the season and is very similar to the one which ended Martin Langs career. Remember the guy is only 25 and we would much rather see him play for many years to come rather then one of the best second rowers around retiring early because of a persistant ankle injury.

Incorrect. Penrith's own ankle surgeon has now said Puletua could have the surgery post tour and be fine for round 1.

 

[League Freak™]

Settle down....you really have something wrong with you if you think this is a special case.


Puletua has been in the Panthers system for YEARS now. They have made him a very wealthy young man. he is a premiership- winner and an international.


All your bleating isnt going to change the fact that the Panthers pay him to play Rugby league and Puletua knows what he has to do....


Come home, have surgery.

 

[DIEHARD]

It is exactly this sort of selfishness that caused the demise of the World Seves, this sort of behaviour can not be encouraged.

Only two opinions matter, those of the medical experts and the player.

Or we might as well cancel the State of Origin, Tri Nations and any other sort of rugby league competition beyond the be all end all of rugby league, the NRL. :roll:

f**k PENRITH!

 

[ozboy]

The NZRL have known for weeks that Galavau was not going to be available for the GB trip and accepted that he needs the surgery and that this was no club V country row rather a necessity for the player.

As for Puletua the NZRL have also known for weeks on his situation but decided themselves to rule him fit for the tour. With one of Australias top ankle surgeons ruling a recovery period of 4 months it is fair for Penrith to rule their player out, and to be fair Puletua also seems to know it is a necessary operation as for one there have been no qoutes or demands from him to play in the series as well as himself recognising himself it is a serious injury which he has carried for quite a while during the season and is very similar to the one which ended Martin Langs career. Remember the guy is only 25 and we would much rather see him play for many years to come rather then one of the best second rowers around retiring early because of a persistant ankle injury.

Incorrect. Penrith's own ankle surgeon has now said Puletua could have the surgery post tour and be fine for round 1.

You seriously are lossed, "Penriths own ankle surgeon", why would Penrith have their own ankle surgeon?

The point here is that all the people who have assesed Puletua and claimed him fit to tour are all just team physios. A respected Australian ankle surgeon who will perform the actual operation stated that the recovery time will be 4 months. Now let me think whos opinion i would rather listen too? Errrrrrrrmmmm, i wonder?

 

[ozboy]

Puletua knows the score? We'll see when he's next off contract. I would doubt he'll be staying with Penrith. That club has just scourned him of what he has rightfully earnt, for no just reason. The club ankle surgeon who initially booked Puletua in for surgery has said they can wait till after the Tri Nations and he'll be fine for round 1, John Mayhew arguably one of the world's best sports doctors has concurred with that, as has Chris Hanna the NZRL doctor (and if Puletua is Australian, the equivalent doctor's opinion that he'll be fine is enough for him to be unable to be pulled out by Penrith). Considering how close he is to brother Frank, and Joe Galuvao I'd be surprised if they also don't test the market deeply when they come off contract.

That's three doctors all agreeing.

One biggot has threatened Puletua with financial and legal ramifications if he tours. Blatantly he's just told him representing New Zealand is not an honour, it is more important that you sit on your can and do as you're told. The Panthers should face a fine, undoubtably.

If this was prior to Origin, and it was Luke Lewis, Leary or whatever his name is would be saying how brave it is, and what an honour it is for Lewis to be playing Origin from Penrith. There is no way they'd even blink an eyelid to try and pull him out. If this was Luke Lewis playing for Australia, by the ARL rules they can't even budge an eyelid once he's selected to pull him out. Yet there are three or four geese who support the Panthers who cannot see the irony, and yet get all in a hot sweat when its obvious and correctly stated that they are doing a Roosters.

Ode for the return of Shane Richardson, this sort of immature nonsense would not have been tolerated. Under this bloke's control I can only see doom and gloom again for the Pennies. Hell, and I thought Mick Watson was short sighted!

Puletua will never leave Penrith, not at least till he reaches retirement age and decides mybe he wants a huge payout in the ESL. Puletua has been with Penrith since a very young age and progressed through the ranks just like all the other local juniors. If he really was upset with this decision, where are his quotes in the paper or on the news claiming he is very upset?

You cant compare this to an origin situation!! This is a 7 week tour where a player already injured risks further injury which could prematurely end his career, all away from the company which pays his wages. SOO is a one off game once every 3 weeks in our own country.

Shane Richardson would do the exact same thing, he might be a man who wants to expand international league, but he is not stupid, and any other club would have done the same in similar circumstances.

Why dont you bag Melbourne for making Slater pull out for a surgery whichwont affect the start of his year next year? How about the Bulldogs and Matt Utai? The pettiness of Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbiel for retiring because they dont like the coach?

 

[AuckMel]

John Mayhew isn't a team physio. He's actually respected surgeon right around the world, as opossed to Australia.

 

[Iafeta]

Puletua knows the score? We'll see when he's next off contract. I would doubt he'll be staying with Penrith. That club has just scourned him of what he has rightfully earnt, for no just reason. The club ankle surgeon who initially booked Puletua in for surgery has said they can wait till after the Tri Nations and he'll be fine for round 1, John Mayhew arguably one of the world's best sports doctors has concurred with that, as has Chris Hanna the NZRL doctor (and if Puletua is Australian, the equivalent doctor's opinion that he'll be fine is enough for him to be unable to be pulled out by Penrith). Considering how close he is to brother Frank, and Joe Galuvao I'd be surprised if they also don't test the market deeply when they come off contract.

That's three doctors all agreeing.

One biggot has threatened Puletua with financial and legal ramifications if he tours. Blatantly he's just told him representing New Zealand is not an honour, it is more important that you sit on your can and do as you're told. The Panthers should face a fine, undoubtably.

If this was prior to Origin, and it was Luke Lewis, Leary or whatever his name is would be saying how brave it is, and what an honour it is for Lewis to be playing Origin from Penrith. There is no way they'd even blink an eyelid to try and pull him out. If this was Luke Lewis playing for Australia, by the ARL rules they can't even budge an eyelid once he's selected to pull him out. Yet there are three or four geese who support the Panthers who cannot see the irony, and yet get all in a hot sweat when its obvious and correctly stated that they are doing a Roosters.

Ode for the return of Shane Richardson, this sort of immature nonsense would not have been tolerated. Under this bloke's control I can only see doom and gloom again for the Pennies. Hell, and I thought Mick Watson was short sighted!

Puletua will never leave Penrith, not at least till he reaches retirement age and decides mybe he wants a huge payout in the ESL. Puletua has been with Penrith since a very young age and progressed through the ranks just like all the other local juniors. If he really was upset with this decision, where are his quotes in the paper or on the news claiming he is very upset?

You cant compare this to an origin situation!! This is a 7 week tour where a player already injured risks further injury which could prematurely end his career, all away from the company which pays his wages. SOO is a one off game once every 3 weeks in our own country.

Shane Richardson would do the exact same thing, he might be a man who wants to expand international league, but he is not stupid, and any other club would have done the same in similar circumstances.

Why dont you bag Melbourne for making Slater pull out for a surgery whichwont affect the start of his year next year? How about the Bulldogs and Matt Utai? The pettiness of Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbiel for retiring because they dont like the coach?

* People said Price and Wiki would never leave their respective clubs, same with Allan Langer, Ricky Stuart. If you don't reward them financially right or restrict their rights, of course they will leave. Penrith are foolishly resting their hat on Puletua's undoubted loyalty to his endeavours. How many players have said they will play for X team for life, and then don't?
* Quotes in papers? Better yet, his own voice on IRN radio.
* Origin is a once off game? Have you seen the schedule for the past 20 years? ITS A THREE MATCH SERIES you kumquat. Its run over about 6 weeks. If a player goes in with a slight injury in game 1, there's more risk involved. Firstly, he has the 6 weeks where he's going to be away from the club for 3 of those, secondly, if he injures himself at the end of game 3 then there's not the 12 weeks timeframe to get over it, as Tony Puletua would have, thats it, thats the players season. Thanks for helping our argument. Love it when basically it gets handed straight to you on a platter. Beautiful. Very sporting.
* Shane Richardson has been to many clubs, I've never seen him do something as dispicable as call a player home from international duties, or more pertantly, threaten him with legal/financial ramifications despite all matter of well respected medical assurances being given. Leary or whatever his name is is as canniving and manipulative as Mick Watson himself.
* Melbourne did not make Billy Slater pull out. Billy Slater pulled out himself. Matt Utai was pulled out because there is physically no way he'd be right for the start of the new season if he went on the tour. That is understandable. Puletua has Chris Hanna, Dr John Mayhew and now also a relenting Penrith Panthers ankle surgeon saying it should be Tony's decision. This assures that it doesn't matter if he goes or not, all going well he'd be available for round 1 regardless.


Thanks for handing us the victory there chump. Very sporting of you. Care to bring some factuality that would aid your argument to the table? Or are you going to concede and take back the patch over your eye and see the reality of this farce?