NRL 2024: Dragons handed breach notice, $40k fine over Ronald Volkman contract saga

The NRL have handed the Dragons a breach notice and a whopping $40,000 fine, over their handling of the Ronald Volkman’s contract farce.

Michael Carayannis

@mcarayannis

less than 2 min read

September 24, 2024 - 8:27PM

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St George Illawarra have been whacked with a $40,000 fine for their handling of the Ronald Volkman’s situation.

The Dragons agreed to sign Volkman who was released from his contract with the Warriors to join St George Illawarra this year.

He was announced as a Dragons player on January 3 and trained with them a day later.

The Dragons learnt that Volkman needed season ending shoulder surgery and opted against going through with the deal given the contract was not registered.

St George Illawarra’s five figure fine has been suspended for 24 months.

“The breach notice relates to a contractual matter involving player Ronald Volkman from earlier in the year,” the NRL said in a statement.

“The NRL acknowledges the co-operation of the Dragons with the investigation of the NRL Integrity Unit.”

The Dragons have been handed a break notice for their handling of the Ronald Volkman contract saga. Picture: Dragons Instagram

The Dragons have accepted the NRL’s decision.

“The Dragons acknowledge receipt of a breach notice issued by the NRL concerning Ronald Volkman earlier this year,” the club said in a statement.

“The notice proposes a suspended fine which the club will accept. The NRL acknowledged the co-operation of the Dragons with the investigation of the NRL Integrity Unit.

“In navigating this complex situation, the club worked closely with all parties involved to reach a resolution and is committed to ensuring compliance moving forward.”

Volkman is set to join the Sea Eagles next season on a supplementary contract. The Dragons agreed to a settlement with Volkman. The RLPA said resolutions need to happen sooner.

“In future disputes we raise with the NRL we expect them to be resolved with the same speed as all other integrity-related matters,” the RLPA said in a statement.

“Based on our engagement with our members, this is a priority for them.

“As this breach notice and the club’s acceptance fully resolve the dispute we raised on behalf of our member, the RLPA will continue to remain vigilant on behalf of our members when it comes to breaches and compliance of their CBA.”