Tyson Frizell breaks silence on NRL’s Newcastle Knights contract freeze
Tyson Frizell has spoken out about the NRL’s contract freeze after signing a lucrative deal with the Newcastle Knights, saying there are more important things going on right now.
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Tyson Frizell says there are more pressing matters going on in the world outside his future after confirming the NRL would not register his new deal with Newcastle.
The Knights announced they had secured the Kangaroos and NSW star on a three year deal after The Daily Telegraph revealed the shock switch yesterday. Frizell, 28, said there were more serious priorities than his future with the NRL on a hiatus.
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“I have signed and agreed to terms,” Frizell said. “Due to the current circumstances it has not been registered with the NRL. As an individual and as a game there are more pressing priorities at the moment.
“So with respect to media and fans I would like to make no further comments on my contract until an appropriate time. Stay safe everyone.”
The NRL is refusing to register Tyson Frizell’s new $2.1 million contract at the Newcastle Knights because of uncertainty over future player payments.
The NRL sent an edict to all clubs and player managers on Thursday morning telling them no deals would be registered and there were to be no alterations of existing contracts.
An NRL source said there is a freeze on all new player contract registrations until the full effect of the coronavirus has been established in coming months.
The Dragons said Frizell had been offered one of the richest deals in the club’s history.
With the game financially crippled from the coronavirus, next year’s salary cap is likely to be reduced while the 16 clubs are in recovery mode.
“Tyson Frizell received one of the most substantial offers in St George Illawarra history to remain at the club beyond the 2020 season," Director of rugby league pathways and list management Ian Millward said. "It was a deal that reflected his contribution over the past eight years, and of course, the seasons that would have followed. We made responsible decisions when determining Tyson's value and contract extension.
“Tyson's decision to depart the Dragons at season's end will now allow the club to pursue other quality players in the marketplace."
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The Dragons have a host of players off-contract including Euan Aitken, Jackson Ford, James Graham, Jacob Host, Tim Lafai, Issac Luke, Tristan Sailor, and Mikaele Ravalawa. Stood-down back-rower Jack de Belin’s contract also expires at season’s end.
The Knights were at pains to stress their dealings with Frizell had been going on since the start of the year.
“In late January the Newcastle Knights made Tyson Frizell a three-year offer starting in season 2021 which he has accepted,” the statement read. “Due to the current uncertain circumstances for rugby league, the NRL are not registering any new or updated contracts.
“The club has and always will act in good faith in relation to contracts.”
Frizell’s teammate James Graham told Fox League he has “nothing bad” to say about Frizell.
““Obviously if he’s choosing Newcastle over St George it’s disappointing, but I’m not going to say anything bad about him,” Graham said. “I’m here for the same amount as Tyson, I’ve got another year left and hopefully we can do something together if we can get the season back on track.”