Panthers powerbrokers are reportedly fearing they might lose gun centre Stephen Crichton if plans to double the NRL’s minimal wage are confirmed.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a transfer to the Bulldogs, the place he may play fullback beneath new coach Cameron Ciraldo and command near $1 million per season.
Crichton’s administration haven’t mentioned an extension for the Samoan gun for the reason that begin of the State of Origin collection earlier this 12 months in accordance with the SMH.
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Panthers bosses are set to fulfill with Crichton’s group within the coming weeks after securing the signatures of each Liam Martin and Brian To’o.
NRL powerbrokers and the Rugby League Players’ Association are but to finalise the collective bargaining settlement — with each the wage cap for subsequent season and the minimal wage for gamers but to be finalised.
The cap is reportedly anticipated to rise by about $1.2 million to $10.5 million for subsequent season, however these funds could possibly be taken up by minimal wage offers.
As it stands, the minimal wage for a prime 30 participant is $80,000 however the RLPA is pushing for a rise to $150,000 — that means that $1.2 million is lowered considerably by these upgrades.
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That transfer may see Penrith’s remaining funds be redirected to their minimal wage gamers as an alternative of an enormous contract improve for Crichton.
The Panthers have already got various gamers on base contracts and can look so as to add extra to fill their roster, balancing their profitable offers for gamers like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and James Fisher-Harris.
Crichton is reportedly in search of a three-year deal price in extra of $800,000 and is at present free to barter for the 2024 season and past.
News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield reported earlier this week that To’o is anticipated to re-sign as quickly as the brand new wage cap is locked in — however he’s since revealed Crichton will “most likely” signal with the Bulldogs.
The Panthers wage cap headache may additionally proceed subsequent season with Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all free to barter with rivals after the 2023 season.
TESI’S NIU HOME?
Wayne Bennett has confirmed the Dolphins are in talks with Broncos again Tesi Niu.
Niu has one 12 months to go on his Broncos contract however was lately given permission to hunt alternatives elsewhere.
The 21-year-old has performed 32 video games for Brisbane since debuting in 2020 — 10 of these being at fullback this 12 months. But with Reece Walsh returning to the membership, Niu has discovered himself on the outer.
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Speaking on the unveiling of Kayo Stadium on Wednesday, Bennett assured reporters that Ni has not signed but however the membership is “negotiating” with him.
“No, I’m not confident he’ll be a Dolphin in 2023 until he signs a contract,” Bennett mentioned when requested about Niu.
“There’s a number of other players out there we’re negotiating with and talking to (as well).
“I’m not into the politics of it all. (Niu) hasn’t signed a contract, he’s not here. We’re negotiating with him … we just have to be patient and see what happens.”
It comes simply over a fortnight after Bennett learnt of Niu’s scenario in an interview with News Corp and first declared his curiosity within the Tongan worldwide.
“I didn’t realise Tesi had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs, but if he is available, yes we’re interested in him,” Bennett mentioned.
“I haven’t seen a lot of Tesi but what I have seen of him, I have liked.
“I didn’t know Brisbane were prepared to let him go but we’ll have a talk internally and make a decision on whether to sign him.
“There’s no deal done with Tesi, but he has something to offer and he is one guy we will look to talk to when the time is right.”
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The Dolphins nonetheless have 5 spots to fill of their Top 30, with backbone choices nonetheless being a precedence.
It’s been a troublesome job assembling the roster with the enlargement membership lacking out on a number of big-name targets together with Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith, which is why Bennett has a realist’s outlook on the roster.
“I don’t think we’ll get anybody there that we want at the moment,” he mentioned.
“We just want quality players and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Two backbone gamers that the membership has been in a position to decide up although are veteran five-eighth Anthony Milford and up-and-coming halfback Sean O’Sullivan, who’re tipped to start out within the halves come Round 1.
But Bennett has declared “no on is guaranteed a position” and urged the pair to earn their spots within the 17.
“Obviously we brought Sean here because we believe he can be the halfback and we brought Milford here because we believe he can be the five-eighth but they have to prove to me that they’ve learnt that and they’ve got the ability to do that job and if they haven’t, well we’ll make another decision,” he mentioned.