With all these Blair > knights stories I'm yet to see an actual quote from anyone. Seems to me he is just the best off contract player so they are linking Him to the cashed up knights.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...-blair-in-sights/story-e6frg7mf-1226038738202
THE Tinkler Sports Group is still coming to grips with Newcastle's salary cap position but the mining magnate's spending power could result in the club extending its hit-list to include Melbourne and New Zealand backrower Adam Blair.
The Knights are expected to finalise the signings of Cronulla prop Kade Snowden and St George Illawarra fullback Darius Boyd in the near future, but Newcastle officials say they are one strike backrower off a premiership-winning team.
That's where Blair could enter the equation. The Kiwi international is off contract with the Storm at the end of the year and has been targeted by Wests Tigers and Parramatta.
He would demand a hefty salary but Tinkler's spending power is limitless. In a sign of the club's improved financial status under the Tinkler regime, TSG chief executive Troy Palmer yesterday indicated the club would look to spend the entire $300,000 of the marquee player allowance.
That money can come directly from Tinkler's pocket. By using some of it to pay players this season, the Knights would have additional funds for next year - they currently use only $150,000 of the allowance.
The final say will rest with incoming coach Wayne Bennett, who worked with Blair when Bennett was on the New Zealand coaching staff at the World Cup. "We understand we need to start looking at re-signing players or signing new players," Palmer said. "(Recruitment manager) Keith Onslow, (coach) Rick Stone will have input in that. Also, there is potential for Wayne Bennett to have some input."
Asked about the club's salary cap position, Palmer said: "I am just working on that now. We'll just continue to work with them in assembling a new roster for next year. There are a lot of contracts that have been signed or are in the process of being re-negotiated."
In terms of the marquee player allowance, Palmer confirmed the club would use the entire salary cap, including allowances. "The cap is a complicated system," he said. "If we haven't used up all the cap, and that includes third parties, we will definitely look to use up all the cap.
), to help our cause would be sensational. I mean Payten probably wont be here next year??? Galloway has difficulty lasting many games in a row. So we are atleast one short?
