WiganWarriorsFans.com

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pre ... ac3187240c

Should Wigan give longer deals to its junior players to prevent them from being snared by NRL clubs?

It's difficult to get agreement on a deal that length, especially with a player who neither party has a full idea of his 'future' value. You may find young players not willing to sign such a deal. It would be a one off sort of thing if it ever happened.

Taumalola was also a target in the USA for a few NFL clubs, and had himself shown interest in following Haynes. Cowboys needed to secure his signature as he's one of the most devastating prop/2nd rows in the game. 10 years probably the best solution for both parties in this case.

He's the exception isnt he a player who once in awhile pops up and you simply see him as part of the club for many years to come but 10 years? thats a hell of a risk given the injuries that can occur in the game/loss of form etc.

He is a hell of a player, though.

I wonder if this strategy of extended contracts might be a route to go down, to prevent some players going to the NRL, or the money rugby union throws at them.

It doesn't necessarily need to be 10 years, but any player that can have his future somewhat guaranteed, for say, 5, 6 or for even longer terms, may be a move which keeps both parties happy and ends the uncertainty facing clubs that stand to lose their top players, and also the players themselves, who in a short career, have a clear financial and career path before them, and can offer some extra loyalty to those clubs (and to some extent, the fans who help pay their wages).

moto748 wrote:He is a hell of a player, though.

No doubt about that.

But contracts have proven to be not worth the paper they are written on. I suppose it protects him against moving within the sport but as has been shown there isnt a governing body over the sports so he could still pursue a career in NFL, RFU next year

Wigan_forever19​85​ wrote:But contracts have proven to be not worth the paper they are written on. I suppose it protects him against moving within the sport but as has been shown there isnt a governing body over the sports so he could still pursue a career in NFL, RFU next year

I have to agree don't like it one bit but your right RL contracts not worth the paper there wrote on.

Very true but it does jack up the value of a contracted player when the big offers roll in. Didn't Wigan have Henry Paul nailed down on a lengthy contract and Bradford came in for him. Sam Tomkins was definitely encouraged to extend his contract knowing he would be leaving before it was up.