Braith Anasta’s brutal call on Wests Tigers amid ugly claims around Stefano Utoikamanu’s exit
Utoikamanu’s decision to turn down a big-money offer from the Tigers has raised eyebrows.
A breach of privacy or a show of transparency for the good of the game? The debate over whether the player wages of NRL stars should be made public has reignited off the back of Wests Tigers demanding an explanation from the NRL over prop Stefano Utoikamanu’s move to Melbourne. The wooden spoon favourites are seeking clarity on why their offer to Utoikamanu – worth $4m over five years – was knocked back for what is understood to be a lesser amount at the Storm.
Melbourne is not accused of any wrongdoing but the Tigers are keen to know more about its dealings with Utoikamanu within the salary cap guidelines. CEO Shane Richardson said at the time of the front-rower’s departure: “We made a more than reasonable offer – probably too much of an offer in a lot of ways – and we did want him to stay.
“Stefano wants to go to a club he thinks can win a premiership (and) we weren’t that club (in his eyes).” To aid transparency over contracts, one proposal put forward is to make salaries public knowledge so there is complete transparency over what a player is worth and how each club puts its squad together under the salary cap.
America’s NFL publishes a full list of each player’s worth every season, but there’s been widespread reluctance to follow suit in Australian sport. Player agent and NRL 360 host Braith Anasta believes there would be little to gain by exposing wages, pointing out players will often sign for less money at stronger clubs.
He said: “I think fans would be surprised with some players going to other clubs for less – they do do it. Most of the guys I look after are at their clubs because they love the place. They can get more elsewhere but they love where they are. People struggle with it but it does happen.”
Braith Anasta’s brutal truth bomb for struggling Wests Tigers
Anasta suggested the Tigers’ poor results over many years – they are staring at a third straight wooden spoon – and off-field dysfunction are the main factors players will go elsewhere for less money. “You look at the Wests Tigers and it’s an absolute basket case,” he added.
“If I’m looking after a player that was thinking of going there, you’d hesitate and you’re going somewhere else for less. That’s the reality of it – it sucks. It comes down to leadership and looking after your club and doing the right thing by the club and setting the culture and performance so this doesn’t happen.
“We can look at prices and money and values but these guys have been going around in circles for ages. Richo’s (Tigers CEO Shane Richardson) got the sh*ts but they’ve got no one else to blame but themselves.”
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