http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22290601-5012431,00.html
Penrith's Reynoldson offer
PENRITH could throw a lifeline to out-of-favour Kirk Reynoldson provided the Newcastle backrower is prepared to take a pay cut for next season.
The move came as the players' union assured Reynoldson of financial support should his contractual dispute with the Knights reach the courts.
Reynoldson needs one more game to guarantee a $196,500 contract at Newcastle for next season, but he has been overlooked for tomorrow night's game against North Queensland at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
The Knights lock broke down in front of his team-mates at training on Tuesday and has already initiated legal proceedings to force the club to honour its deal.
Regardless of the outcome, Penrith general manager Michael Leary said the Panthers could be prepared to offer Reynoldson a two-year contract.
For the deal to work, Reynoldson would have to accept a $50,000 contract under the Panthers' second-tier salary cap because the club has already filled its top-25 quota.
Any shortfall would be made up the following season, with Penrith prepared to put Reynoldson on a balloon contract - an incremental deal where most of the money is made in the final year.
The Panthers have signed Knights rejects Adam Woolnough and Brad Tighe, and Reynoldson would further bolster their forward stocks with Joel Clinton and Matthew Cross leaving in 2008.
A lifeline from Penrith could also provide some assistance to the Knights who have been trying to hammer out a compromise deal - believed to be half of Reynoldson's 2008 contract.
"We're interested in having a look at him," Leary said. "If they came to us, we wouldn't say no to at least having a look at it.
"The problem we've got is that our top 25 is done for next year so if he comes it would be an opportunity for one year and we'd look at upgrading him for the second year."
The Knights issued a statement late yesterday in which they confirmed they had replied to Reynoldson's legal representatives over the threat of court action. The statement said details of the correspondence would remain confidential and the club would make no further comment.
Rugby League Professionals Association (RLPA) chief executive Matt Rodwell was more forthcoming, confirming he had spoken to Reynoldson yesterday morning and assured him he had the full support of the union. Rodwell also confirmed the RLPA would assist Reynoldson with legal fees should he be left without a contract for next season.
"If he was to incur costs and we're in a position to help him out, whether they're legal or other costs, we will," Rodwell said.
The RLPA chief executive also went on the attack over claims the union had deserted Reynoldson.
"The RLPA has been in constant communication with Kirk and his advisers as to how to best navigate through the situation and have been guided by Kirk as to how he wants the issue handled," it said in a statement on its website.
"Kirk has had his mind intent on being selected and has requested that the issue be removed from the glare of the public so as to not distract his team-mates. This ... has not occurred - much to the disappointment of Kirk.
"The RLPA is obliged to support Kirk in a manner he is comfortable with."
In other news, Warriors prop Sam Rapira has secured one of the longest contracts in the NRL after signing an extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2012.
Penrith's Reynoldson offer
PENRITH could throw a lifeline to out-of-favour Kirk Reynoldson provided the Newcastle backrower is prepared to take a pay cut for next season.
The move came as the players' union assured Reynoldson of financial support should his contractual dispute with the Knights reach the courts.
Reynoldson needs one more game to guarantee a $196,500 contract at Newcastle for next season, but he has been overlooked for tomorrow night's game against North Queensland at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
The Knights lock broke down in front of his team-mates at training on Tuesday and has already initiated legal proceedings to force the club to honour its deal.
Regardless of the outcome, Penrith general manager Michael Leary said the Panthers could be prepared to offer Reynoldson a two-year contract.
For the deal to work, Reynoldson would have to accept a $50,000 contract under the Panthers' second-tier salary cap because the club has already filled its top-25 quota.
Any shortfall would be made up the following season, with Penrith prepared to put Reynoldson on a balloon contract - an incremental deal where most of the money is made in the final year.
The Panthers have signed Knights rejects Adam Woolnough and Brad Tighe, and Reynoldson would further bolster their forward stocks with Joel Clinton and Matthew Cross leaving in 2008.
A lifeline from Penrith could also provide some assistance to the Knights who have been trying to hammer out a compromise deal - believed to be half of Reynoldson's 2008 contract.
"We're interested in having a look at him," Leary said. "If they came to us, we wouldn't say no to at least having a look at it.
"The problem we've got is that our top 25 is done for next year so if he comes it would be an opportunity for one year and we'd look at upgrading him for the second year."
The Knights issued a statement late yesterday in which they confirmed they had replied to Reynoldson's legal representatives over the threat of court action. The statement said details of the correspondence would remain confidential and the club would make no further comment.
Rugby League Professionals Association (RLPA) chief executive Matt Rodwell was more forthcoming, confirming he had spoken to Reynoldson yesterday morning and assured him he had the full support of the union. Rodwell also confirmed the RLPA would assist Reynoldson with legal fees should he be left without a contract for next season.
"If he was to incur costs and we're in a position to help him out, whether they're legal or other costs, we will," Rodwell said.
The RLPA chief executive also went on the attack over claims the union had deserted Reynoldson.
"The RLPA has been in constant communication with Kirk and his advisers as to how to best navigate through the situation and have been guided by Kirk as to how he wants the issue handled," it said in a statement on its website.
"Kirk has had his mind intent on being selected and has requested that the issue be removed from the glare of the public so as to not distract his team-mates. This ... has not occurred - much to the disappointment of Kirk.
"The RLPA is obliged to support Kirk in a manner he is comfortable with."
In other news, Warriors prop Sam Rapira has secured one of the longest contracts in the NRL after signing an extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2012.
