The curious case of Ronald Volkman, his injured shoulder and which party is liable for the $175,000 owing to the clubless playmaker will be thrashed out at a meeting with the NRL on Monday.
Former Warriors half Volkman was trumpeted as a key St George Illawarra recruit on January 3, even though the club had not actually registered his contract. Yet, Volkman was still wheeled out for a Dragons training session on January 4, when it became apparent to his would-be employers that he had arrived with an injured shoulder in need of surgery.
Realising the Samoan international would not be able to take the field in 2024 – which was to be the duration of his Red V contract – the Dragons opted not to proceed with the deal.
By this stage, the Warriors had already completed a deed of release, which included paying Volkman more than $200,000 to get him off the books. The Dragons were poised to pay the shortfall owed to the 21-year-old for the current season, an amount of $175,000. However, Volkman remains without a club and out of pocket as the parties point the finger at each other as to who is at fault.
Myriad questions will need to be answered. Should Volkman have gone under the knife earlier, while still contracted to the Warriors? Did the Dragons enter into an agreement, verbal or otherwise, that is enforceable? If they have to pay Volkman the $175,000, will that amount be included in their salary cap?
The matter is only now coming to a head, long after the Rugby League Players Association first raised a dispute with head office on Volkman’s behalf.
Ronald Volkman’s career remains in limbo.Credit: Rhett Wyman/SMH
“The facts are that this process has gone on for far too long,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said.
“Our dispute notice was sent to the NRL on January 19. The incident happened at the back end of December. The only party really suffering as a result is Ronald.
“The best thing that can happen from here is a quick resolution that provides Ronald with positive certainty and holds the party or parties at fault responsible for what has occurred.
Ronald Volkman in action for the Warriors.Credit: NRL Photos
“We are fighting because, in our view, there have been clear and multiple breaches of the CBA, the NRL rules and Ronald’s playing contract. There’s not much more to say outside of that because they are the facts.”
Volkman has undergone successful shoulder surgery and will be able to play again. Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the Warriors will have to cover the cost of the operation and pay for any associated rehabilitation costs.
However, Volkman remains in limbo until the matter is resolved. It is unclear if and when he will be able to add to the five NRL appearances he has made.
“I haven’t fully processed it all yet; the RLPA have been helping me heaps with my mental health,” Volkman told this masthead in January.
“The Dragons were keen, it’s just unfortunate this injury has come up.
“It hasn’t hit me yet that I won’t be playing this season. I was trying to rip in and find my feet as an NRL player. I’ve played a lot of reserve grade … I was keen for that NRL challenge in 2024, but it’s come up short before the trials have even started. That’s been hard for me.”
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