The NRL has blocked Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus from taking on a coaching role with the ACT Brumbies and warned that his appointment may be a beach of salary cap rules.
NRL interim chief executive Shane Matiske said the Knights had been asked to provide an immediate explanation about the announcement that Buderus would assume a coaching role with the Super Rugby outfit while continuing to play league.
Buderus fronted a press conference on Thursday with Brumbies coach Jake White to make the announce the new position.
“Neither Danny Buderus nor the Knights have sought permission from the NRL to enter into a third party agreement as his playing contract requires and as the club is required under the salary cap Rules,” Mattiske said.
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“It is hard to envisage any circumstance where an agreement could be approved that allowed a current NRL player to promote another code competing in the same market as an NRL team.
“The announcement today which saw Danny at a press conference in another code’s training gear underlines potential issues.
“We will be seeking an immediate response from the Knights and as much as we respect Danny’s intentions we do not see any way in which the proposal can be pursued.
“In conjunction with the RLPA we provide a range of specialist services to assist players in maximising off-field careers and these are all available to Danny and all players."
Earlier, Knights CEO Matt Gidley said the final proposed agreement has not yet been seen by the club .
"As Danny enters his final NRL season before retirement, we have encouraged him, as we do with all our players, to engage in wide ranging work experience in preparation for life after football,” Gidley said.
