NRL clubs ready to swoop on unwanted stars after salary cap audit
With the NRL due to issue their annual salary cap audits between now and Christmas, clubs and coaches are scribbling down their wish lists of players set to be forced out into the open market.
COACHES are sitting back and waiting for the NRL to deliver their annual Christmas bonus — players unable to fit under their clubs’ salary caps.
With the NRL due to issue their annual salary cap audits between now and Christmas, The Daily Telegraph understands a number of clubs are scrambling to remain under the cap.
Those clubs with money left in their salary cap have been waiting patiently for the audits to arrive — and are ready to pounce.
Some clubs face sanctions, with players almost certain to be forced out. Club chief executives are convinced they will be released and thrown directly on to the open market.
“We are hearing there are a few clubs that are going to be over,” one prominent CEO said. “The squeeze could be on.
“We have all been in that position. You think you’re okay and then the salary cap audit comes down and it all changes. Then you have to shed a few.
“We’ll be waiting and seeing what unfolds. A few clubs are similar — they are waiting.”
The Daily Telegraph will not speculate on which clubs could be over the salary cap.
It is known, however, that a number of clubs — including Brisbane, Penrith, Parramatta, Souths, Cronulla and Melbourne — are fighting hard to remain under it.
Manly is also confronting its own salary-cap challenges.
The Panthers’ cap will no doubt have eased with Trent Merrin’s departure last week to Leeds in the English Super League.
Souths is yet to have a new contract for winger Robert Jennings registered by the NRL. That has led to speculation about Alex Johnston’s future.
Cronulla may well be OK now that Valentine Holmes has been released to trial for an NFL contract.
Brisbane has moved Test and Queensland forward Josh McGuire to North Queensland and Gold Coast Titans are circling Broncos forward Alex Glenn. Jordan Kahu could also be moved along.
“We get calls about players who might be moved,” the CEO said. “There is no set time, but all the audits happen about now.
“The NRL can assess things differently to what the club thinks — different interpretations. It can happen.
“There is then a mad scramble to move players.”
The Sharks are also awaiting possible punishment over the club’s recent salary-cap drama. Some suggest the NRL fine will be significant. One theory suggests the departure of Holmes may free up some money for the expected fine.
Some clubs may not receive their NRL audits until January or even early February.
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