@tigersrule4life said:
Graig Said his going to join wests tigers he will come dw it might be confirmed today :smiley:😀
I hope I'm wrong but dont think he will be signing here today…
Nathan Tinkler's net has Adam Blair in sights- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/nathan-tinklers-net-has-adam-blair-in-sights/story-e6frg7mf-1226038738202
THE Tinkler Sports Group is still coming to grips with Newcastle's salary cap position but the mining magnate's spending power could result in the club extending its hit-list to include Melbourne and New Zealand backrower Adam Blair.
The Knights are expected to finalise the signings of Cronulla prop Kade Snowden and St George Illawarra fullback Darius Boyd in the near future, but Newcastle officials say they are one strike backrower off a premiership-winning team.
That's where Blair could enter the equation. The Kiwi international is off contract with the Storm at the end of the year and has been targeted by Wests Tigers and Parramatta.
He would demand a hefty salary but Tinkler's spending power is limitless. In a sign of the club's improved financial status under the Tinkler regime, TSG chief executive Troy Palmer yesterday indicated the club would look to spend the entire $300,000 of the marquee player allowance.
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That money can come directly from Tinkler's pocket. By using some of it to pay players this season, the Knights would have additional funds for next year - they currently use only $150,000 of the allowance.
The final say will rest with incoming coach Wayne Bennett, who worked with Blair when Bennett was on the New Zealand coaching staff at the World Cup. "We understand we need to start looking at re-signing players or signing new players," Palmer said. "(Recruitment manager) Keith Onslow, (coach) Rick Stone will have input in that. Also, there is potential for Wayne Bennett to have some input."
Asked about the club's salary cap position, Palmer said: "I am just working on that now. We'll just continue to work with them in assembling a new roster for next year. There are a lot of contracts that have been signed or are in the process of being re-negotiated."
In terms of the marquee player allowance, Palmer confirmed the club would use the entire salary cap, including allowances. "The cap is a complicated system," he said. "If we haven't used up all the cap, and that includes third parties, we will definitely look to use up all the cap.
"There's ways you can play with those numbers. That may not benefit the club this year, but it might next year by freeing up funds."
Bennett spoke on Brisbane radio yesterday, reacting to claims in The Australian from former South Sydney players he opted for Newcastle because of the size of Tinkler's offer.
It is understood Bennett could earn as much as $10 million over the next four years once bonuses are factored in.
"I can tell you it's pure speculation because no one knows," Bennett said.
As for claims Tinkler had provided Bennett with use of his private jet, the seven-time premiership-winning coach said: "It wasn't part of the deal. I am sure if I can hitch a ride somewhere I will grab one."