Anthony Watmough prepared to do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure contract money from Parramatta

ANTHONY Watmough’s pay dispute with Parramatta is set to escalate with the retired forward prepared to do “whatever it takes” to secure his contract money from the club.

Anthony Watmough has warned Parramatta officials he will return to training with the club if he isn’t compensated for 2018.

ANTHONY Watmough’s pay dispute with Parramatta is set to escalate with the retired forward considering turning up to training in a bid to receive his owed money.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Watmough has threatened to go through with his vow to train with the Eels to recoup contract money for 2018, despite being forced into retirement with a knee injury.

Watmough had a playing option in his favour for 2018 but the Eels baulked at paying him because, due to a chronic knee injury, he could not play.

Parramatta have paid the former Test and Origin star in full for the 2016 and 2017 seasons but they don’t believe they should pay him for the 2018 season as it is an option year.

“(The option to play) was in his favour but the terms could not be performed,” Eels administrator Max Donnelly previously said.

Injuries forced Watmough into early retirement. Picture: Mark Evans

“It’s not like he can exercise his option to play. He can’t play.”

The Eels have since changed their mindset slightly, revealing they are willing to partially pay Watmough’s 2018 deal but won’t front the entire amount.

This plan is yet to be presented to Watmough’s management, who have started a $1.2 million legal showdown with Parramatta over a payout.

The Eels offered to pay part of Watmough’s deal for 2018 but it was rejected by his management.

Parramatta have since taken the 2018 offer off the table.

This comes as sources have said Watmough will do “whatever it takes” to secure his contract money.

It’s understood the veteran forward hasn’t been paid by Parramatta since September and while his management would like to finalise a mutual payout, they will consider all options.

Watmough has also told close friends he will challenge Parramatta’s bid, even if it means returning to training in order to force the Eels to pay him.

Anthony Watmough has warned Parramatta officials he will return to training with the club if he isn’t compensated for 2018. Picture: Gregg Porteous

That would be catastrophic for the Eels and the NRL’s controversial career-ending insurance scheme, as Watmough’s remaining 2017 and 2018 contract money would then be added to the club’s salary cap.

Watmough was forced into premature retirement this season with a debilitating knee injury, just 12 months into his four-year deal with the Eels, worth around $750,000 a season.

He was in shock when he discovered Parramatta is attempting to operate outside the Collective Bargaining Agreement by offering him a reduced figure, ‘significantly less’ than the value of his $1.2 million contract.

The Eels have been forced to cover the seven-figure sum after QBE rejected any insurance payout by deeming Watmough’s injury as pre-existing.

It’s resulted in a tense legal battle, which is expected to continue for some time to come.

Originally published as Anthony Watmough prepared to do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure contract money from Parramatta