NRL News Report
Contract Discussions Hurting the Bulldogs Bond
NRL News today looks at the on-going contract discussions at the Bulldogs. Sonny Bill Williams and his manager Gavin Orr have constantly been in the headlines regarding their efforts to drive up the price of SBW and his contract term.
While any lengthy contract discussions are a distraction to the player and his club, it seems the media attention surrounding his team mate Mark O'Meley has really stirred up tensions between team mates.
The Bulldogs trip over to New Zealand last weekend was an obvious example of how contract discussions are harming the Bulldogs in the lead up to NRL 2007 season kick off.
The Bulldogs, who fielded a near full strength side - were sent packing by an impressive NZ Warriors outfit, who won the match 36-6.
When interviewed after the game about the feeling within the Bulldogs at present, team captain Andrew Ryan said "We as players are talking to Bulldogs management and trying to assist with getting the two deals finalised with Shrek and SBW."
It also came to light that Bulldogs prop forward Willie Mason had actually advised teammate O'Meley "To be smart and to take the $330,000 contract offered." Willie also openly said this comment to the media.
Surely this kind of talk doesn't help towards team building for 2007. The situation is made even worse by the fact that the Bulldogs have lost so many top line players in the last 4 years. Big names such as: Braith Anasta, Steve Price, Nate Myles, Roy Asotasi, Ben Harris and Willie Talau have all packed their bags and moved on from the Belmore base.
The management of the Bulldogs are playing a dangerous game here. While clubs should not be dictated to - by forcing the hands of SBW and Shrek and setting signing deadlines under such a media spotlight - it may create friction between players that lasts a lifetime.
So even if the Bulldogs successfully keep Sonny Bill Williams and Mark O'Meley, relations between Willie Mason and both players and possibly other members of the team maybe scarred forever.
Source: NRL News
