Panthers powerbrokers are reportedly fearing they could lose gun centre Stephen Crichton if plans to double the NRL’s minimum wage are confirmed.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Bulldogs, where he could play fullback under new coach Cameron Ciraldo and command close to $1 million per season.
Crichton’s management haven’t discussed an extension for the Samoan gun since the start of the State of Origin series earlier this year according to the SMH.
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Panthers bosses are set to meet with Crichton’s team in the coming weeks after securing the signatures of both Liam Martin and Brian To’o.
NRL powerbrokers and the Rugby League Players’ Association are yet to finalise the collective bargaining agreement — with both the salary cap for next season and the minimum wage for players yet to be finalised.
The cap is reportedly expected to rise by about $1.2 million to $10.5 million for next season, but those funds could be taken up by minimum wage deals.
As it stands, the minimum salary for a top 30 player is $80,000 but the RLPA is pushing for an increase to $150,000 — meaning that $1.2 million is reduced significantly by those upgrades.
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That move could see Penrith’s remaining funds be redirected to their minimum wage players instead of a huge contract upgrade for Crichton.
The Panthers already have a number of players on base contracts and will look to add more to fill their roster, balancing their lucrative deals for players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and James Fisher-Harris.
Crichton is reportedly seeking a three-year deal worth in excess of $800,000 and is currently free to negotiate for the 2024 season and beyond.
News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield reported earlier this week that To’o is expected to re-sign as soon as the new salary cap is locked in — but he’s since revealed Crichton will “most likely” sign with the Bulldogs.
The Panthers salary cap headache could also continue next season with Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all free to negotiate with rivals after the 2023 season.
TESI’S NIU HOME?
Wayne Bennett has confirmed the Dolphins are in talks with Broncos back Tesi Niu.
Niu has one year to go on his Broncos contract but was recently given permission to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The 21-year-old has played 32 games for Brisbane since debuting in 2020 — 10 of those being at fullback this year. But with Reece Walsh returning to the club, Niu has found himself on the outer.
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Speaking at the unveiling of Kayo Stadium on Wednesday, Bennett assured reporters that Ni has not signed yet but the club is “negotiating” with him.
“No, I’m not confident he’ll be a Dolphin in 2023 until he signs a contract,” Bennett said when asked about Niu.
“There’s a number of other players out there we’re negotiating with and talking to (as well).
“I’m not into the politics of it all. (Niu) hasn’t signed a contract, he’s not here. We’re negotiating with him … we just have to be patient and see what happens.”
It comes just over a fortnight after Bennett learnt of Niu’s situation in an interview with News Corp and first declared his interest in the Tongan international.
“I didn’t realise Tesi had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs, but if he is available, yes we’re interested in him,” Bennett said.
“I haven’t seen a lot of Tesi but what I have seen of him, I have liked.
“I didn’t know Brisbane were prepared to let him go but we’ll have a talk internally and make a decision on whether to sign him.
“There’s no deal done with Tesi, but he has something to offer and he is one guy we will look to talk to when the time is right.”
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The Dolphins still have five spots to fill in their Top 30, with spine options still being a priority.
It’s been a tough job assembling the roster with the expansion club missing out on several big-name targets including Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith, which is why Bennett has a realist’s outlook on the roster.
“I don’t think we’ll get anybody there that we want at the moment,” he said.
“We just want quality players and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Two spine players that the club has been able to pick up though are veteran five-eighth Anthony Milford and up-and-coming halfback Sean O’Sullivan, who are tipped to start in the halves come Round 1.
But Bennett has declared “no on is guaranteed a position” and urged the pair to earn their spots in the 17.
“Obviously we brought Sean here because we believe he can be the halfback and we brought Milford here because we believe he can be the five-eighth but they have to prove to me that they’ve learnt that and they’ve got the ability to do that job and if they haven’t, well we’ll make another decision,” he said.
