$1.5Mil Cap Rort for Smith & Thurston in 2018

[bob dylan]

Well done NRL??????

Shunned Manly's request for exemptions in the past but next year these two cop an extra $750K each outside of the cap.

More evidence of an uneven playing field.

STory in Fridays Telecrap.

 

[bob dylan]

Melbourne and North Queensland’s $1.5m salary cap loophole for Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston


Phil Rothfield, Exclusive, The Daily Telegraph

an hour ago


MELBOURNE Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys have found a legal way to exploit next year’s salary cap by a combined $1.5 million in staging a testimonial game for Maroons legends Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.


In a dangerous precedent, the NRL will allow the two clubs to play a trial match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in February with all gate takings, sponsorship, merchandise and potential TV rights being shared by the two superstars.


They could become the code’s first $2 million stars by collecting up to $750,000 each — which is exempt from the salary cap — on top of their $1.3 million playing contracts.

The match could net Smith and Thurston up to $750,000 each.


The timing is interesting in that Smith, as president of the RLPA, is entangled in bitter negotiations with NRL powerbrokers over the collective bargaining agreement.


Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy declined to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.


His club could the benefit again next year by putting on a similar ‘charity’ game for Billy Slater.


Under the ‘testimonial’ arrangement, the Storm could hypothetically pay the champion fullback less than his market value but offer him up to $750,000 from a one-off game.


The code’s rules allow for testimonial matches but they are rarely approved by the NRL.


Given the status of these two players the NRL felt it was appropriate.


Both clubs and the players’ managers have worked on the loophole for a number of months.


NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said Smith and Thurston deserved the chance to play in a testimonial match.


“We do not approve these matches lightly but there is no doubt these are two of the best players to play the game,” he said.


“Not only have they reached the highest level in representing their State and country but they have done it in style.

Should the NRL allow a testimonial match?


“They are both a credit to the game and fans deserve the chance to pay respect to them.”


It also opens the door for rival clubs to escape salary cap pressure by offering other long-time champions like Paul Gallen at the Cronulla Sharks a money-making swan song.


It is interesting in that Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of the NRL in the recent pay dispute.

He has even threatened to boycott the Dally M Awards by recently saying: “If it’s the right thing to do for our playing group I’m willing to sacrifice that night.”

‘Off the record’ conversations with club chief executives indicate there will be a backlash.


Especially at clubs like the Canterbury Bulldogs who are desperately trying to move players on but unaware that players like their skipper James Graham could also have been offered a testimonial.

 

[davohan123]

I felt sick hearing them discuss this on the matty johns show.

They don't deserve this.

Where was this for Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart or Steve matai. This really gives me the Sh.ts.

 

[bob dylan]

I felt sick herparing them discuss this on the matty johns show.

They don't deserve this.

Where was this for Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart or Steve matai. This really gives me the Sh.ts.

Yeah its a disgrace.

The way they carry on youd think they are the only players in the game.

 

[NLSeaEagle]

I felt sick herparing them discuss this on the matty johns show.

They don't deserve this.

Where was this for Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart or Steve matai. This really gives me the Sh.ts.

It is f***ing disgusting the way the NRL works...........and the inconsistencies!

I got no problem with honoring blokes in principle but this is just a f***ing scam......

Historically testimonial matches are for blokes that are calling it quits.................so we can assume 2018 is stumps for both of them!
I bet not!!

 

[SeaEagle21]

James Graham could have been playing in a testamonial? Now i've heard it all, that's the example they use

 

[TokyoEagle]

Aren't testimonials usually played after you retire. If fans want to see them play they will have plenty of opportunities during the 26 rounds and finals (if they make it). This is an absolute joke of a decision by the NRL.

 

[Eagles2nv]

That is absolute BS.

You want to use the game to make money, sure, you invested in the players you should get the returns.

But to use it to give both players salary cap exempt money... NO!!!!!

 

[NLSeaEagle]

Whats so funny boys?
Now we know.........

 

[Budgie]

Does the NRL not want to have a game anymore?
Even the dumbest of fans will be jumping ship if the open rorting and cheating continue to escalate.

 

[EagleBoi13]

Yeh what a disgrace. Disappointing but not surprising. Might as well not have a cap at all

 

[Eagleheart]

Initially when I saw this I almost exploded into an uncontrollable rage, almost....!

But then I read what Turdy said and it all makes perfect and fair sense, well done NRL.

Scam really deserves to cheat openly and in view for all the world to see. He has proved to be a great fine upstanding purple scum two contract cheater behind closed doors so does deserve to advance to public cheating. He really is very talented apart from being an experienced cheat, he also has skills in martial arts that he uses often on opposition players. Such as amazing elbow blows to the head or neck, choker holds and incredible arm and leg twists that cause pain/injury and even for the lucky ones sometimes long term pain/injury on opposition players. He is also a knowledgable referee who has worked up the ranks to be the top official and so kindly assists the refs in each and every game he plays by gently telling them what the rules are exactly. He is so multi skilled it is unbelievable for just one bloke to be so talented.

And Thurston, another deserving player to be handed a brown paper bag in pure day light. Such a talent he is especially for his ability to drink alcohol excessively. His service to the community is to be admired, like the times he was was charged with public drunkenness after being arrested outside his flat semi-naked in 2008. And the time outside a Brisbane casino after 4am in the morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance. He is just so thoughtful to help keep police officers in jobs by allowing them to arrest him. He is just so kind and he really does so much behind closed doors. That it was only through unofficial sources that it came out how he did not seek any financial benefit whatsoever from either red bull or stilnox for his awareness campaign on their products. Surely this is just a story I mean really, how can one man be so caring. But JT does truly have so many amazing talents especilly the one where he can take off his own headgear with his own two hands without mind you using the jaws of life to extract it from his oversized cranium. And then low and behold he incredibly hands it to a lucky fan. And just when you thought surely he can't seriously be skilled in anything else, well you thought wrong. Because JT, is also able to whinge for long periods of time, sometimes without even taking a breath at game officials and anyone really in ear shot, just astounding really.

Ok aside from my obvious sarcasm here. I am absolutely 110% disgusted with how this could even be considered let alone allowed. It is outrageous and wrong on every single level. I honestly believe the management and fans from the other 14 clubs need to push back on this, this is dead set cheating, no other word for it. Totally unacceptable.

 

[eaglebuzz]

This is ridiculous, why bother having a cap when some clubs are allowed to flaunt it so flagrantly?

 

[Lord Eagleton]

When you hear about rorts like this going on, and clearly how dumb and incompetent the NRL are at applying a level playing field for all clubs, it makes me hope the AFL wipe out the NRL in this country. The NRL completely sh1t me. I hate them. Id be fine with the NRL being wiped out by the time i die. Just give me a few more Manly premierships then be gone with the whole thing in 30/40 years time

 

[robbiea]

You talking about KiwiEagle?

Pretty rich coming from someone who's been here five minutes.

 

[NLSeaEagle]

Pretty rich coming from someone who's been here five minutes.

First impressions are lasting!

 

[master blaster]

Well done NRL??????

Shunned Manly's request for exemptions in the past but next year these two cop an extra $750K each outside of the cap.

More evidence of an uneven playing field.

STory in Fridays Telecrap.

I agree 100% Bob, and what annoys me more is that NRL dont hide their favouritism to to their precious ones. Thats why I get more and more disillusioned with our game today. its blatantly obvious. You can see who they want as the pride of the NRL

 

[master blaster]

Initially when I saw this I almost exploded into an uncontrollable rage, almost....!

But then I read what Turdy said and it all makes perfect and fair sense, well done NRL.

Scam really deserves to cheat openly and in view for all the world to see. He has proved to be a great fine upstanding purple scum two contract cheater behind closed doors so does deserve to advance to public cheating. He really is very talented apart from being an experienced cheat, he also has skills in martial arts that he uses often on opposition players. Such as amazing elbow blows to the head or neck, choker holds and incredible arm and leg twists that cause pain/injury and even for the lucky ones sometimes long term pain/injury on opposition players. He is also a knowledgable referee who has worked up the ranks to be the top official and so kindly assists the refs in each and every game he plays by gently telling them what the rules are exactly. He is so multi skilled it is unbelievable for just one bloke to be so talented.

And Thurston, another deserving player to be handed a brown paper bag in pure day light. Such a talent he is especially for his ability to drink alcohol excessively. His service to the community is to be admired, like the times he was was charged with public drunkenness after being arrested outside his flat semi-naked in 2008. And the time outside a Brisbane casino after 4am in the morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance. He is just so thoughtful to help keep police officers in jobs by allowing them to arrest him. He is just so kind and he really does so much behind closed doors. That it was only through unofficial sources that it came out how he did not seek any financial benefit whatsoever from either red bull or stilnox for his awareness campaign on their products. Surely this is just a story I mean really, how can one man be so caring. But JT does truly have so many amazing talents especilly the one where he can take off his own headgear with his own two hands without mind you using the jaws of life to extract it from his oversized cranium. And then low and behold he incredibly hands it to a lucky fan. And just when you thought surely he can't seriously be skilled in anything else, well you thought wrong. Because JT, is also able to whinge for long periods of time, sometimes without even taking a breath at game officials and anyone really in ear shot, just astounding really.

Ok aside from my obvious sarcasm here. I am absolutely 110% disgusted with how this could even be considered let alone allowed. It is outrageous and wrong on every single level. I honestly believe the management and fans from the other 14 clubs need to push back on this, this is dead set cheating, no other word for it. Totally unacceptable.

Off course Toddy likes it, after all he is offside with most of the playing group, so what better way to get in their good books again

 

[HoldenV8]

The sad part is that with the game set for Suncorp those hillbilly Queenslander's will likely fill the place.

 

[Bird of Prey]

The sad part is that with the game set for Suncorp those hillbilly Queenslander's will likely fill the place.

Just don't watch have your own little boycott session, absolute slap in the face to other players and fans from other clubs.