Absolutely; I don't disagree.
But if you had a decent contract in place for the following 2 seasons, would you walk away without any recompense just because the club fancied bringing some different players in? No, me neither. As we've established, any pay-off would need to be treated as a payment to that player for salary cap purposes, so it would defeat the object. Unless Leeds are downright cheating by not putting a pay-off through the books.
It's annoying, as having an injury-ravaged Watkins on their books for 2 years on a chunky contract would have limited their ability to rebuild. They're conning the system.
The only advantage might be to pay him up this year, that comes of this years cap and opens up space for next year
Look up the rules on contract terminations. It all has to be approved and there are provisions for any payments that won't count on the cap. Without knowing the ins and outs of it all then its nothing but speculation. He might be happy to cut all ties with Leeds at the end of the season without and payoff as there will probably be a signing bonus from any new contract he gets we just don't know.
It may be significant that he's had mental health issues and is putting his mental health over Money which unfortunately suits Leeds and helps them out.
I imagine once he was told they wanted to reduce his contract his agent put the feelers out and with a few irons in the fire made the decision to leave. He will only be giving up the money if he sits on the sofa for two years which he won’t be doing with his talent even if it has diminished slightly due to injury.
Still a god player and will be a good appointment for many teams
Wigan already laying down their mark for next year signing Salford back up Jake Bibby, Castleford bench/back up Mitch Clark as well as re-signing Partington, Hankinson and Clubb!
Is Radlinski more deluded than Cunningham was? He’s described Bibby as ‘a high-level Super League performer and competitor‘.
Then describe Clark as ‘one of Super League’s most destructive forwards and in a very good Castleford side, he has built the reputation as one of the league’s fiercest middles’.
Bibby I think was shown wearing a Wigan shirt even tho he has half a season to go at Salford in mid week ,Mitch Clark did the same on Wednesday wearing a Wigan top and scarf he was booed by some when he came on to the field last night just made me wonder if it wouldn't be better announcing these things at the end of the season or closer to the end of the season
I can understand it from both sides - and personally don't take much offence. For me the best compromise would be that it's okay to announce signings during the season for the next season - but keep promotional/commercial stuff (like having photos with wearing the shirt of a new club) until the current season is over.
Watkins to gold coast from July 1st.
I'm really surprised at this based on his form this season. I haven't seen any conformation on the length of the contract, but it wouldn't surprise me if this turns out to be just a short stint down under, similarly to the Zak Hardaker Penrith situation. It's been quite sad to watch him this year, being chased down comfortably and being taken on the outside as he has been on occasions. He just doesn't seem to be able to run (which was his biggest asset) like he once did, which is a real shame because he was our best centre for several years.
Regards,
STEVO
Good luck to the lad , hope he fully recovers from a terrible injury , he was one of the few Leeds players I would give credit to always gave 100% always played the game honestly , a true professional.
roy litherland it's happened i told you it would
Sarginson to Salford apparently