Cap break for Eels as NRL leave door open for Smith
Andrew Webster
April 16, 2008
Parramatta will be granted immediate salary cap relief in the wake of Tim Smith's decision to quit the game indefinitely - and the NRL will take a "sympathetic view" should he decide to make a return in the future.
As the dust settled on Smith's announcement that he is struggling to cope with bipolar disorder, the focus switched yesterday to how the Eels might replace him - and what it might mean for retaining off-contract halves partner Brett Finch.
NRL chief executive David Gallop told the Herald last night that Parramatta were likely to receive salary cap relief for the remainder of this season, should they apply for it.
And, in a promising sign for both club and player, Gallop revealed the league would not penalise them if Smith decided to come back sooner rather than later.
"If a player suffers a career-ending injury, there is salary cap relief in those situations," Gallop said. "[But] if Tim was to make a comeback, the salary cap auditor would take a sympathetic view of the situation."
Salary cap concessions are handed out at the discretion of auditor Ian Schubert, although if a player is forced into retirement with a permanent injury, he is prohibited from playing for that club again.
Because there is every chance - and hope - Smith will resurrect his career at some stage, the NRL is uncertain how much salary cap relief it could give the Eels.
Smith signed a two-year deal believed to be worth $250,000 a season in May last year, but if his contract is terminated with one year remaining, it will free up funds that would allow Parramatta to pursue other playmakers or retain Finch, who is off contract next season and being courted by clubs both here and in the English Super League.
Parramatta officials are set to meet Finch's manager, Steve Gillis, today - but there is no guarantee he will receive a contract offer.
Gillis told the Herald earlier this week he had no choice but to initiate talks with other NRL clubs before the end of the week, even though Finch's preference is to stay at Parramatta under coach Michael Hagan.
Still, Gillis said Finch did not want to force the issue in view of the sensitive nature of Smith's departure. "This isn't the right time to go knocking on Parramatta's door," Gillis said. "Tim and Brett are good mates and Brett foremost wants to make sure he's OK. We're waiting for Parramatta to make an offer to see what eventuates."
Eels officials were still coming to grips with what Smith's decision meant for them in terms of finding a possible replacement.
His manager, David Riolo, was attending a funeral, meaning it was impossible for them to discuss how long Smith might be out.
"We will obviously sit down at some stage with [chief executive] Denis Fitzgerald and David Riolo at some stage soon to discuss Tim's future," Parramatta football manager Andrew Hill said. "At this point in time, Tim's welfare is what matters most. But in terms of salary cap relief and what it means in terms of other players, it is too early to say."
buy genious mugs, tshirts and magnets
