The Luke Lewis loophole
Article from: The Sunday Telegraph
By Steve Mascord
June 01, 2008 12:00am
MORE than a dozen NRL contracts could be made null and void this week if clubs employ what is now knows as the Lewis loophole.
Luke Lewis's about-face to stay with Penrith after agreeing to join South Sydney has exposed an out-clause for players changing clubs in 2009.
Only one player who has signed with a rival club has had his current team waive in writing its right to make a counter offer before round 13.
"I think you'll find more clubs making stipulations, but it depends on your situation,'' said Souths chief executive Shane Richardson.
"Why would you waive your right to make a late offer for someone unless you wanted someone out of the club? Your salary cap position could change.''
Cronulla and the Roosters exchanged emails regarding Anthony Tupou, which would make it difficult for the Roosters to make a bid to keep him.
But stars like Israel Folau, Willie Tonga, Ben Hannant, David Shillington and Josh Morris could all employ the Lewis loophole and renege on their new deals this week if they wished.
"Hopefully everyone now understands it's a good idea to check with a player's current club to make sure he has permission to complete a deal somewhere else,'' NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
"The round 13 rule is vastly superior to the old June 30 rule.''
St George Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said he wouldn't consider trying to stop Morris from joining the Bulldogs at the last minute.
"It's just that Ian Schubert won't register the contract before round 13,'' Doust said.
And Penrith aren't about to try to keep Canberra recruit Nathan Smith despite gazumping Souths on Lewis.
"I think one of those is enough,'' said chief executive Mick Leary.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner said he had verbal agreements with both Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra) and William Zillman (Gold Coast) that he accepted their departures.
Cronulla's Tony Zappia said he had ensured there would be no complications regarding Tupou.
"I sent (Roosters CEO) Brian Canavan an email asking if we could announce the signing,'' Zappia said.
"He sent one back saying they could not match the offer and confirming we could announce it. It's pretty simple.''
