With news that St George Illawarra Dragons star Trent Merrin has turned down a $1.8 million deal over three years toย test the open market, it has once again posed the question, is loyalty in rugby league officially a thing of the past?
I just want to preface this by saying I am all for players maximising their earning potential to provide the best possible lives for themselves and their families. I also realise that compared to other industries, rugby league careers are relatively short.
In saying that, for a player and manager to come out so publicly to denounce the offer made by the club Merrin has played for on over 100 occasions, as โnot in the spirit of negotiationsโ, shows very little loyalty toward the club.
Of course we donโt know if the reported figures are correct, but itโs widely been accepted that itโs the biggest deal for a forward in the clubโs history. That gesture alone indicates to me that the Dragons have every intention of tieing down their star forward long term.
Offhand I can only think of a few second rowers that I would be willing to offer over $600,000 a season. Sonny Bill Williams is the obvious name, while Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and possibly Nate Myles was also be worth that kind of money. Anthony Watmough will also be on that kind of money, or more, at the Parramatta Eels.
Iโm sure there are others, but Iโm also sure there arenโt a large list of names.
Is Merrin worth that kind of money?
I did a quick Twitter poll yesterday and most seemed to believe he was. At 25 years of age and with 10 Origin caps to his name, itโs fair to suggest heโd be able to command over $600,000 a season at a rival club.
That being said, I hardly believe the figure being thrown around is an insult to Merrin.
I know full well that Merrinโs agent Wayne Beavis is negotiating with help from the media. If I were paying Beavis to represent me, Iโd expect the same tactics as he strives to achieve the best possible deal.
I am in no way having a go at Merrin here, however surely he should at least allow the Dragons to come back with an increased offer, given he made his debut for the club, and has become an Origin level player during his time there.
Is it just me or is loyalty in league a thing of the past?
In the past few years weโve seen Glenn Stewart forced out of a club he believed he would represent for life. Josh Hoffman was told to look elsewhere despite being settled in at Brisbane. Although he ended up re-signing for Cronulla, Andrew Fifita publicly signed for the Dogs despite the Sharks turning him from a reserve grader into an Origin and test star.
Just to reiterate, I donโt blame players, or clubs, for the decisions. Itโs a business. Both player and club need to make the best decisions for themselves.
Itโs sad, but loyalty seems to be a thing of the past.
Agree? Disagree? Take the debate up withย @suthodan on Twitter!
