By Adrian Proszenko
Ronald Volkman has spoken about the signing saga that resulted in St George Illawarra copping a $40,000 NRL fine, declaring no player should again have to go through such a harrowing ordeal.
The Dragons entered into a confidential settlement with Volkman eight months after he was prematurely announced as a key signing for the club.
Volkman’s signing from the Warriors was announced on January 3, even though the Dragons had not actually registered his contract.
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.
Having already been released by the Warriors to take up his Dragons deal, Volkman was left without a club and $175,000 out of pocket until the dispute, raised by the Rugby League Players’ Association on his behalf, was finally settled last month.
The matter was only finalised on Tuesday when the Dragons accepted the NRL’s proposed sanction, a $40,000 fine suspended for 24 months pending any other breaches.
Ronald Volkman.Credit: Rhett Wyman/SMH
“When it comes to the contract stuff, I thought I had signed and you think you are secure for the year,” Volkman told this masthead on Tuesday.
“For it to go like that and just get brushed under the carpet for the first few months, for it only to be done now at the back end of the year when things happened at the beginning of the year, it’s a long process.
“It’s all done, but it was definitely hard physically, mentally, financially. I’m just glad everything is now done.”
The injury that scuppered the deal, a contentious shoulder injury, has been repaired and the former New Zealand Warrior has resumed contact training in a bid to find a NRL club for 2025.
Despite the Dragons’ handling of the aborted transfer, Volkman held no grudges.
“Obviously with what happened, you don’t want anyone to go through that,” Volkman said.
“Just the way things went down, obviously it wasn’t ideal, no way. They have come forward as you can see from their statements and to be honest I’m just glad everything is done at the moment. I’m glad it’s sorted.”
The Dragons released a statement vowing to learn from the drama.
“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,” the statement said.
Former Warriors playmaker Volkman said he was keen to add to the five NRL appearances after overcoming his shoulder issues.
“I’m looking at all the options on the table, it’s still in the air with club talks,” he said. “I should get clarity about where I’m going around grand final time, hopefully.
“The shoulder is fine, I’ve integrated into post-contact training and it feels way better now than when I started contact from my last surgery, which is a good sign.
“Wherever I go, whichever club gives me that opportunity, I won’t take it for granted.
“I’m going to give it 100 per cent, I’m going to make the most of it.”
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