Tackle One – Ma’u the latest Eel to chase unpaid deal
The ripple effect of Parramatta’s salary cap storm has impacted yet another player; and it’s arguably their most damaging forward.
Kiwi terror Manu Ma’u has been chasing an unpaid third party deal for months without success, which is no surprise given the Eels’ current predicament.
Last week his management lost patience and contacted the Roosters to gauge their interest in signing the 27-year-old second rower.
Although they’ve been in the market for engine room reinforcements, the Roosters were taken aback by the approach.
Ma’u is contracted until the end of next season on a rather modest deal that probably doesn’t reflect his current value.
It’s believed the outstanding third party deal is worth around $20,000. Despite these issues, we can’t see Parramatta granting Ma’u a release – particularly after all the work that’s been done to rehabilitate him from a stint in prison across the Tasman.
However, an upgraded deal is not unreasonable. That might have to wait until the club’s salary cap position and punishment is made clear within the next fortnight.
