What’s the Buzz: Matt Lodge contract upgrade must include payment plan to US victims
WHAT’S THE BUZZ: TODD Greenberg is poised to block moves by Brisbane to upgrade the contract of Matt Lodge. The NRL CEO wants any upgrade to include a debt payment plan to his US victims.
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TODD Greenberg is poised to block moves by Brisbane Broncos to upgrade the contract of controversial forward Matt Lodge.
The NRL chief executive wants to see a written repayment plan for the victims of his New York rampage before any contract upgrade is registered this year.
Despite being constantly booed by fans, Lodge has been one of the better performers in a disappointing Broncos pack and is obviously worth more than the $85,000 minimum wage.
He was signed on a minimum contract with the incentive of an upgrade if he performed.
Opponents of Lodge being allowed to play NRL will applaud Greenberg’s strong stance.
The Broncos are ready to upgrade his contract to stave off offers from other clubs.
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But Greenberg will insist on seeing a payment plan before he allows the new contract to be registered.
“If he has the capacity to start making payments, then I would expect that to happen,” Greenberg said.
“It will be up to the parties to negotiate the details but I want to see the intent to start paying.”
It is understood Lodge has made several attempts to start repaying his victims but has received no response from the victims.
Broncos chief executive Paul White is not concerned about Greenberg’s edict.
“If the NRL have decreed that there must be a payment plan, we as a club will support Matt and we will support that process,” White said.
“Todd has been on the record about the possible requirements for Matt moving forward and I am happy to work within that process.
“It’s really early days for Matt at the Broncos but he has been exemplary since he has joined our club.
“We’ve endured a strong campaign against Matt but we anticipated if he was successful that would be coming.”
A number of Sydney-based clubs including Penrith Panthers are keen on Lodge but are waiting for his lawyers to agree on a settlement with his victims.
“I don’t know what other clubs are doing,” White said.
“I am never naive enough to think someone might not be interested but Matt knows what we have done for him and he is committed to his community work and ongoing rehabilitation.
“I believe the Broncos are the right place for him but that alone does not guarantee his signature. We’ve invested a lot in Matt but he has to make the best decision for himself and family. Hopefully, he decides Brisbane is the best place for him.”
UP TO SPEED IN ALL CODES
THIS man is arguably Australia’s most versatile sporting broadcaster.
In the space of 30 hours this weekend, Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed will call three codes of football.
First up, GWS Giants against Fremantle Dockers in the AFL in Canberra yesterday afternoon.
Then he was off to GIO Stadium to call Canberra Raiders hosting Parramatta Eels.
Today, he’s back in Sydney to call the A-League soccer, Western Sydney Wanderers against Adelaide United. The 41-year-old has covered the Olympics, the Australian Open tennis and Commonwealth Games.
So how does his throat and voice survive such a rugged weekend?
“I actually googled it recently and a lot of people recommend Manuka honey,” he says, “So I’m having a teaspoon each day and it appears to be working.”
The research involved for each code keeps him busy all week.
“I watch NRL 360, AFL 360 and the football (soccer) shows on Fox Sports,” he says. “And I replay a lot of the games so I know the teams I’m calling on the weekends.”
NINE’S THOUGHTS TURN TO TENNIS
CHANNEL 9 may launch its Australian Open tennis coverage 12 months earlier than expected.
The network paid $300 million to cover the grand slam from January 2020 for five years but may get it earlier now Channel 7 has picked up the cricket and will be looking to offset some costs.
The Seven Network could sell the 2019 rights for about $50 million.
It would have difficulties covering both the cricket and tennis during January anyway.
Nine now desperately needs sporting content in the new year to launch its big shows on the eve of the ratings season.
FREDDIE’S DAILY GRIND
THE NSW Blues will tighten costs this year for their State of Origin camps.
Still, it hasn’t stopped coach Freddie Fittler from ensuring his players are well looked after.
Freddie has put in a request to NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden to hire a coffee van to be at every training session. It will sure suit the latte-loving Roosters players.
Freddie loves a good coffee himself and is often seen at trendy cafes around the city.
The Blues have moved out of The Star for this year’s preparation and have booked their accommodation at the Holiday Inn in Coogee.
TITANS WAIT TO SPEND
GOLD Coast Titans have a roster issue other NRL clubs would kill to have.
Coach Garth Brennan must sign three new stars before June 30 to get 30 players on to their books, which is a requirement under the new collective bargaining agreement.
The Titans still have 10 weeks and Brennan is patiently waiting for the right players to become available to add to his depth. The club is about $700,000 under the salary cap.
The Titans have a strong 17-man squad but can’t afford injuries while they are carrying only 27 players.