Brisbane Broncos name $500k transfer fee for teen sensation Karl Oloapu
Teen superstar Karl Oloapu has had a fresh twist in his ongoing contract saga, with the Broncos placing a $500k fee on his head.
NRL
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Wantaway teen superstar Karl Oloapu has got another barrier in his way if he truly wants out of Red Hill, after the Broncos placed a $500,000 transfer fee on the rising star, blocking a proposed move to the Dolphins.
The 18-year-old has been locked in a six-month long battle with the Broncos, seeking a release shortly after signing a three-year-long contract which tied him to the club till 2025.
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The Broncos, having lost a bevy of young talent to other clubs, refused to release Oloapu and relations between the pair have cooled from there.
NRL rules prevent clubs from coaxing players out of contracts unless permission is given by their contracted club, but the Broncos believe Oloapu wants out because of a monster contract offer from expansion side the Dolphins.
The Melbourne Storm have already complained to the NRL about the Dolphins’ pursuit of under-contract star Cameron Munster.
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader denied that the NRL’s 17th team had breached contract rules in their pursuit of Oloapu, who was a Redcliffe junior.
“Every club wants to sign quality players and so do we,” he said.
“If they are available and interested we want to talk to them.
“We’ve dealt with unusual circumstances.
“Not many clubs have to sign 34 players in one year, plus train-and-trial players, and put academies together.”
The Broncos rate Oloapu highly and refuse to release him.
“The club has a contract registered for Karl and we won’t be releasing him,” said Broncos recruitment head Simon Scanlan.
“They have asked for a release and it has been denied.
“He will finish school this year and go into our full-time squad in the upcoming pre-season.”
Oloapu’s development contract with the Broncos is worth $60,000, and will be promoted to their top 30 from next year, triggering a significant pay rise for the remainder of his contract.
Originally published as Brisbane Broncos name $500k transfer fee for teen sensation Karl Oloapu
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