Alex Johnston’s proposed move to Cowboys illustrates the problem with NRL contracts
How has Ben Barba’s alleged domestic violence incident become South Sydney’s problem? Because NRL contracts are worth nothing and it’s time that changed, writes PAUL CRAWLEY.
Opinion
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Every time a footballer gets in strife, it seems another club is left to wear at least some of the fallout.
Todd Greenberg wasted no time over the weekend declaring Ben Barba would not be allowed back in rugby league if domestic violence allegations are proven.
Good on Greenberg for that.
But it’s also high time the NRL stood up against another massive issue confronting the game, one that continues to cause so much anger and disillusionment among fans.
What is an NRL contract worth these days?
Nothing is the answer.
The league world hardly had time to digest allegations made against Barba when talk emerged that North Queensland were already preparing to poach Alex Johnston.
Why is this allowed?
It doesn’t seem to matter that Johnston is contracted at South Sydney for 2019. That seems inconsequential.
The Cowboys need a new fullback. Johnston apparently wants to be paid “fullback money”. So it all makes perfect sense, right?
No, if this is happening behind the scenes, it is wrong. And it needs to be stamped out.
The fact is Wayne Bennett has no intention of releasing Johnston and Bennett is not happy Souths will be now forced to deal with this new speculation.
Understandably, Bennett wants Johnston concentrating on the job in front of him, which is to prepare for this season, playing whatever position the club needs him to play.
Is that too much to ask?
With Greg Inglis racing the clock to be fit for the season start, Johnston has an ideal opportunity to show his new coach what he is capable of.
It would make no sense for Bennett to release Johnston this close to the start of the season.
But there is also no question this latest development involving Barba could now potentially distract Johnston, or other players at other clubs.
Last year we had players and coaches breaking deals left, right and centre and it just goes on and on with no end in sight.
In the old days a player’s word was his bond. These days a contract is not worth the paper it is printed on.
Some will have you believe it is just a part of the professional era, and the fans just have to suck up.
In reality it is mostly bad business that causes the majority of the pain. Clubs are as guilty as the players in all this. They make poor choices but are allowed to wipe their hands of responsibility.
The Cowboys took a huge risk signing Barba given his history. It is not their fault Barba allegedly assaulted his wife.
But their problem should not now become Souths’.
We shouldn’t be talking about players potentially swapping clubs at this late stage of the pre-season and it really doesn’t seem that difficult to fix.
How about this for a novel idea: If a player or club enter into a contract, honour it, for the full term.
Clubs might become a bit more select about who they recruit and players might also take a bit more responsibility.
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Originally published as Alex Johnston’s proposed move to Cowboys illustrates the problem with NRL contracts
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