Contracts - A One Way Street - By Hayley

Some news I just heard on Triple M's Rush Hour has prompted me to write this post. Dan Ginnane is reporting that the Broncos have told Peter Wallace and Scott Prince they are not wanted next year. Both players are signed beyond next year. Peter Wallace is understandably fuming as he reportedly had an offer from Penrith 6 weeks ago which he declined after approaching the Broncos and being told he is in their future plans. The offer from Penrith is no longer on the table and Peter Wallace is left without a club for next year. I'm sure he'll get snapped up by someone, however being so late in the season, the chances of him getting a similar offer to the Penrith one are probably pretty slim. Scott Prince on the other hand may not be so lucky and this could mean the end of his career.

Contracts are a legal document but seems to be only a legal document when it suits clubs. Players ask for releases all the time, I do have an issue with this as they have signed a contract and should stick with it, however my main issue is with the way clubs treat contracts. If a player asks for a release they are only released on a mutual agreement when it suits the club. If they club doesn't want to let a player go, they don't have to; they can hold them to their contract. When a club wants to get rid of a player it seems to be as simple as telling them they are not wanted. It seems that it is a one way street.

Now I don't know if there's a clause in the contracts that says the clubs can tell the players they're not wanted at any time, but either way it's not fair. If a club has recruited badly then that's their issue and they should be made to deal with it. There's no accountability for poor recruitment.

I understand that if a player isn't performing then the club should be able to act on this; my point is that it only works one way. If the news is true then the Broncos have left these 2 players with no security for the future and being so late in the season means it will be even more difficult to land a good deal for next year. Most clubs would already have their salary cap sorted.

Love,

@LadiesWhoLeague