Storm scandal won't affect Rogers
Gympie rugby league talent Billy Rogers has been caught in the middle of the biggest scandal to ever hit the NRL. But with the Melbourne Storm guaranteed a future, Rogers destiny will rest in his own hands as his contract expires at the end of the year.
Warren Lynan - Sunshine Coast Daily
THE future of Gympie rugby league product Billy Rogers rests in his own hands despite the salary cap furore that has engulfed the Melbourne Storm.
The Gympie Times was unable to contact Rogers yesterday, but Gympie Devils Darren Burns shed some light on the situation.
Burns said Rogers, who holds aspirations of breaking into top grade footy with the Storm, would not be hit hard by the scandal.
It wont be barrier, Burns said. Melbourne still has the backing of News Limited so there will be a team.
As a low-tier player, Rogers is unlikely to be stung next year as the embattled club is forced to shed its high flying stars to fall back under the salary cap.
While the salary cap scandal will not cost Rogers his dream of playing top level footy, Burns said the young gun still had to perform to guarantee his future in the game.
His contract is up at the end of the year so there is definitely pressure to perform, Burns said.
Burns last spoke to Rogers just over 10 days ago, before the controversial actions of Melbourne Storm hit the headlines.
Billy was happy with how he was playing and training and felt the club was happy with him, Burns said.
While the controversy wont deny Rogers a shot at the big time, the added attention the club is receiving has the potential to be a serious distraction.
Burns believes Rogers, a former Devils player, has the maturity to stay focused and disciplined.