Lewis stunned by salary cap investigation

Retiring Cronulla skipper Luke Lewis was surprised that the club was being investigated for salary cap breaches.

The Sharks confirmed on Tuesday that they were being reviewed for potential salary cap infringements, dating back to 2015.

And as the club approaches a finals campaign, Lewis confirmed that he was shocked by the revelation.

“We haven’t been to training, I’ve literally come in here and seen the paper and it said the Sharks are under salary cap allegations. That was it,” he told Fox Sports' NRL 360

“I’m very surprised by it. I’d love to see where it’s all going and what’s happening but my guess is as good as anyone else, I don’t really know what’s happening at the moment.

“I don’t see anything happening in the next week or two. Whatever happens happens. There’s nothing we can do now. The past is the past.

“We’ve been through it all before. Back in 2014 with the ASADA stuff. It is what it is.

“We can’t do anything as players, we don’t know what’s going on. Let the senior guys sort it out, we’ll get out there and play footy, get on the training park.”

While the 35-year old has organised his own contract over the past couple of seasons, he added that the players normally have no involvement in negotiations.

“For me, manager, get me the best deal,” Lewis said.

“Where’s the money come from? I don’t care. That’s my deal, that’s my contract, sweet. That’s what I’m earning. That’s how it works.

“We don’t ask anything. We just say what’s my deal? (Manager says) this is your deal; you’re earning $300,000 a year. Happy days.

“Am I on $300,000 straight from the club? Or are you getting $250,000 from the club and a $50,000 MPA, I don’t know. They go, we’ve got to invoice such and such for $50,000 so you’re getting $300,000 for the year. That’s it, that’s all we know. That’s all we get told.”

Quizzed if he ever previously inquired with his manager about the specifics of a contract, Lewis replied:  “Yeah, I’ve always asked that.

“The last couple of years I’ve done my own (contract) so it’s been good for me. I know exactly where my money is coming from.

“When I had my manager, he said it’s all sorted. This is what we’re earning.

“When I started doing my own, the club says we’re going to give you X-amount of dollars. Beautiful, signed, contract’s done.”