Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf wants out of agreement to join Warriors

In yet another blow for the besieged Warriors franchise, a promising Cronulla forward has backed away from the deal which would have seen him cross the Tasman to join the club.

Toby Rudolf of the Sharks tackles Adam Elliott of the Bulldogs during the Round 6 NRL match between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney, Sunday, June 21, 2020. (AAP Image/David Neilson) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Promising Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf has informed Warriors chief executive Cameron George he can no longer join the club because he needs to support his legally blind mother and ill grandmother.
In yet another blow for the besieged New Zealand franchise, Rudolf has decided to turn his back on what was set to be the biggest contract of his career to remain in Sydney where he can be closer to family.

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Toby Rudolf wants to stay in Australia to be close to his family. Picture: AAP Image/David Neilson

“It’s a process we’re working through, he’s obviously got some personal, family issues that are causing him to want to stay back,’’ Rudolf’s agent Sam Ayoub said.
The Warriors are understandably disappointed in Rudolf‘s decision and are attempting to seek some sort of compensation.
However, they seem powerless to oppose the 24-year-old’s wishes on compassionate grounds given a contract wasn’t signed and only a letter of intent.
Rudolf made the decision to join the Warriors on a three-year deal during the COVID-19 isolation period two months ago and prior to his grandmother being diagnosed with a tumour.

Cronulla Sharks forward Toby Rudolf shares a house with South Sydney forward Liam Knight. Picture: Brett Costello

At the time, Rudolf, who broke through to the NRL this year after overcoming a series of rejections and injury setbacks throughout his rugby league journey, felt it was important to secure his future during a period of financial uncertainty across the code.
However, without a father and with Rudolf‘s brother living in Bali and his ability to travel back and forth being impacted by travel restrictions, the talented footballer has emerged as the lead support to his mother and grandmother.
The Sharks have told The Daily Telegraph that any negotiations between Rudolf and the Warriors is between the two parties.

Under salary cap strain, the Sharks said they won’t have any conversation about holding onto the middle-forward until the situation is resolved.

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Robust and hardworking in defence, Rudolf has emerged as a mainstay of the Sharks pack after suffering a knee reconstruction in 2018.

In almost every interview, Rudolf has spoken openly about his close relationship with his mother, Susan, who is legally blind.
“I love my mum. She raised me by herself with my grandma. A heart of gold. Best woman I have ever known,” Rudolf said prior to his round one debut this year.
The contract stalemate has failed to impact Rudolf‘s rookie NRL season, proving a handful in seven appearances this year for the Sharks and never more evident by his 111-metres and 18 tackles against Manly last week.
Rudolf has been named to start from the interchange bench by Cronulla coach John Morris ahead of their clash against the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.