Peachey fails to return
By Daniel Pace
February 5, 2004
CRONULLA president Barry Pierce is disappointed troubled fullback David Peachey failed to show up for team training today.
Peachey was granted a week off pre-season training to handle some personal issues but the National Rugby League club expected him back at training today.
"I'm disappointed he hasn't attended training this morning," said Pierce, who is also dealing with a $1.3 million lawsuit against the club initiated by sacked coach Chris Anderson.
"As (Peachey is) one of our most respected and loyal players, I don't want to say anything further until I have the opportunity to speak to him," Pierce told AAP.
"I just hope that he's sorted out his personal problems and I hope to hear from him before the trial this weekend."
On Tuesday coach Stuart Raper named the former NSW Origin fullback in a 19-man squad for Cronulla's opening trial against a combined Central Coast side in Gosford on Saturday night.
But Peachey has yet to phone either Pierce or Raper. Both have tried unsuccessfully to contact the former Sharks skipper in his hometown of Dubbo.
Parallels can be drawn to the case of Sydney Roosters centre Justin Hodges, who was expected at training on Monday after being granted two weeks compassionate leave following his break-up with fiancee Lauren Lillie.
Meanwhile, Pierce said the club would vigorously defend Anderson's Supreme Court proceedings against the Sharks claiming $1.3 million for wrongful dismissal and damages.
Cronulla sacked the Australian coach in December after serving him with three breach notices, despite Anderson having a year left on his lucrative contract.
"On our senior counsel advice, we feel we're in a very strong position," Pierce said.
"I don't want to say anything more than that."
Pierce added he was confident the club would not be forced to pay $1.3 million to Anderson.
By Daniel Pace
February 5, 2004
CRONULLA president Barry Pierce is disappointed troubled fullback David Peachey failed to show up for team training today.
Peachey was granted a week off pre-season training to handle some personal issues but the National Rugby League club expected him back at training today.
"I'm disappointed he hasn't attended training this morning," said Pierce, who is also dealing with a $1.3 million lawsuit against the club initiated by sacked coach Chris Anderson.
"As (Peachey is) one of our most respected and loyal players, I don't want to say anything further until I have the opportunity to speak to him," Pierce told AAP.
"I just hope that he's sorted out his personal problems and I hope to hear from him before the trial this weekend."
On Tuesday coach Stuart Raper named the former NSW Origin fullback in a 19-man squad for Cronulla's opening trial against a combined Central Coast side in Gosford on Saturday night.
But Peachey has yet to phone either Pierce or Raper. Both have tried unsuccessfully to contact the former Sharks skipper in his hometown of Dubbo.
Parallels can be drawn to the case of Sydney Roosters centre Justin Hodges, who was expected at training on Monday after being granted two weeks compassionate leave following his break-up with fiancee Lauren Lillie.
Meanwhile, Pierce said the club would vigorously defend Anderson's Supreme Court proceedings against the Sharks claiming $1.3 million for wrongful dismissal and damages.
Cronulla sacked the Australian coach in December after serving him with three breach notices, despite Anderson having a year left on his lucrative contract.
"On our senior counsel advice, we feel we're in a very strong position," Pierce said.
"I don't want to say anything more than that."
Pierce added he was confident the club would not be forced to pay $1.3 million to Anderson.
