It's quite probable we're just playing hardball with any potential suitors for Twal. They didn't want to pay full freight, we won't pay for him to play elsewhere, either they up their bids or he plays out his contract.
The fact he's on 525k next year is a serious indictment on the club's management and recruitment failures.
And frankly significantly overpaying Bula is disappointing too. He definitely warranted an upgrade but next year he'll be earning more than the like of Walsh and Edwards ever have. How will he go in his second year? Can he maintain performance and fitness year in and out? The fact he could potentially earn 900k in the last year of his contract is ludicrous. We got absolutely taken to the cleaners by his agent.
I think 500k for next year would have been more than sufficient. With pay rises each year culminating in 700k for his 4th season. That would be market value, sadly once again we're paying the Tigers tax, way overs....