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BroncoKiwi
Chump of the Week - David Gallop
August 6th 2008 00:50
Category: Chump of the Week
By Matthew Johns
Okay, maybe this is a bit harsh but I really don't think David Gallop has handled the Sonny Bill Williams saga very well at all.
Really, going on about the sanctity of a contract is bit rich coming from the guy who spearheaded the breakaway Super League in 1995 as the Legal Affairs Manager. The future of that competition was to be built on players being encouraged to renege on their ARL contracts and to move to the new venture.
He has a point about the way SBW went about the move, but must be careful he doesn’t end up trying to look holier than thou.
Some of us have longer memories than he might hope.
Phil Gould certainly has no concern about challenging the whiter than white image of the NRL and clubs, who he believes have been abusing the contractual agreements with players for years, as and when it suits them.
It is a shame that Sonny has decided to leave in such a way, as he has in effect made the NRL look a little weak.
Of course Gallop is keen to reverse that impression by coming out with what appears to be emotionally driven statements, fuelled with anger. Fair enough to a degree, but I hope he spends a little more time considering what he is going to say next.
If SBW’s legal team make any headway with a challenge to the salary cap, by claiming that it in effect creates a self imposed restraint of trade, I think you may see Gallop and the NRL start to back pedal very quickly...
Sure, the NRL are in a difficult position being caught between a rock and a hard place.
If they pursue SBW with all guns blazing they not only ensure the spotlight remains on SBW, but also risk having to justify the salary cap in a court of law.
If they do not pursue him, they risk other marquee players who may start looking outside of the NRL for their next big break.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
In any case do we really want a guy like Sonny to remain in the game if he had emotionally bought out of Rugby League. Personally I’d rather he made room for someone with real ambitions and enthusiasm for our game sooner than later.
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