Managers' contract dispute stalls Dragons' plan to sign Chase
GLENN JACKSON October 20, 2012
Rangi Chase ... his move to the NRL has hit a snag. Photo: Getty Images
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA'S plans to bring English international Rangi Chase back to the NRL have been stalled because of a contract dispute between agents.
Chase's long-time manager, Chris Orr, maintains he has a contract with the playmaker, but that is being disputed by another agent, France-based Greg Keenan. The matter is in the hands of the legal teams of both parties and remains unresolved.
Orr claims Chase owes money and is on contract until August next year. He has not been involved in negotiations with the Dragons over the Castleford player, and while Chase's management is in dispute, talks cannot be finalised with any club.
Advertisement
Until the matter is resolved, Chase's future remains in the air.
''The matter is in the hands of lawyers and in front of the Accredited Player Agent Scheme,'' Orr said last night. ''As far as we stand, Rangi has outstanding fees. If that is resolved, he's free to continue his career wherever he likes.''
It is understood, though, that Chase maintains he is represented by Keenan, who - to cloud the issue further - is not an NRL accredited player agent.
The Accredited Player Agent Scheme's manager, Paul Massey, confirmed the body was looking into the dispute, and said talks between the player and any club were on hold. ''The current management arrangements are under review,'' Massey said. ''Until such time as that's resolved, no contract can be signed.''
Talks are set to continue between representatives of the two agents over the weekend.
Castleford, to whom Chase is contracted for the next three seasons, have confirmed the 2011 Man of Steel is seeking a return to the Dragons. ''There is still interest from St George and, if a deal comes, it's a bonus because obviously there is better money over there,'' the 26-year-old said. ''I've got a young family now so I've got to do what's best for them.''
■ Manly winger Jorge Taufua has been banned from licensed premises in Queensland after allegedly spitting at a police officer on the Gold Coast. Taufua, 20, faced Southport Magistrates Court on Friday charged with serious assault.
Meanwhile, the Warriors could play one of their NRL home matches in Australia next year.
with AAP
Sauce SMH