Cameron Smith and Thurston getting testimonial and keeping the money

[RoosterFanNZ]

Watching the Matty Johns and they talk about Thurston and Smith have been allowed a testimonial and keeping the 1.5 mil gate entry and splitting the money and not counted in salary cap.
Haven't seen much online about this, anyone know more?
To me it seems like a bit of unfair NRL favouritism

PS. Can the annoying spam be sorted out?

[Tommy Smith]

I'd just put a temporary block on new members.

And the testimonial is a disgrace. It subverts the cap and illustrates the NRLs obvious bias.

[Guest]

why are they getting a testimonial that doesnt make sense

[Guest]

Yo I thought testimonials were for guys who were stuggling. Why would there be extra contribution to these guys who must have stacks of scrilla you know what Im sayin. They must both be rich AF yo

[Guest]

Yo I thought testimonials were for guys who were stuggling. Why would there be extra contribution to these guys who must have stacks of scrilla you know what Im sayin. They must both be rich AF yo

put pressure on the grubs to donate it to charity

[Guest]

Yo hells yeah esse

[morley101]

put pressure on the grubs to donate it to charity

Give it to the "men of League" and cop the tax benefits

[Waylander]

Melbourne and North Queensland’s $1.5m salary cap loophole for Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston


Phil Rothfield, Exclusive, The Daily Telegraph
August 31, 2017 9:00pm


MELBOURNE Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys have found a legal way to exploit next year’s salary cap by a combined $1.5 million in staging a testimonial game for Maroons legends Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

In a dangerous precedent, the NRL will allow the two clubs to play a trial match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in February with all gate takings, sponsorship, merchandise and potential TV rights being shared by the two superstars.
They could become the code’s first $2 million stars by collecting up to $750,000 each — which is exempt from the salary cap — on top of their $1.3 million playing contracts.
The timing is interesting in that Smith, as president of the RLPA, is entangled in bitter negotiations with NRL powerbrokers over the collective bargaining agreement.
Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy declined to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
His club could the benefit again next year by putting on a similar ‘charity’ game for Billy Slater.
Under the ‘testimonial’ arrangement, the Storm could hypothetically pay the champion fullback less than his market value but offer him up to $750,000 from a one-off game.
The code’s rules allow for testimonial matches but they are rarely approved by the NRL.
Given the status of these two players the NRL felt it was appropriate.
Both clubs and the players’ managers have worked on the loophole for a number of months.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said Smith and Thurston deserved the chance to play in a testimonial match.
“We do not approve these matches lightly but there is no doubt these are two of the best players to play the game,” he said.
“Not only have they reached the highest level in representing their State and country but they have done it in style.
“They are both a credit to the game and fans deserve the chance to pay respect to them.”
It also opens the door for rival clubs to escape salary cap pressure by offering other long-time champions like Paul Gallen at the Cronulla Sharks a money-making swan song.It is interesting in that Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of the NRL in the recent pay dispute.
He has even threatened to boycott the Dally M Awards by recently saying: “If it’s the right thing to do for our playing group I’m willing to sacrifice that night.”
‘Off the record’ conversations with club chief executives indicate there will be a backlash.
Especially at clubs like the Canterbury Bulldogs who are desperately trying to move players on but unaware that players like their skipper James Graham could also have been offered a testimonial.

[Team Evil]

Bullshit!

[Guest]

thats a joke the nrl cant allow this

[rented tracksuit]

It's rediculous that the NRL will allow somethung like this. I have no probs with JT as he has more than proved himself both on and off the field. That said, this sort of thing could and should be done after his official playing career is over.

As for Smith, there is no doubting his ability on the field but he is one of the biggest grubs out there with dirty play that gets overlooked for reasons unknown. He is also a serial offender at arguing refs calls which in my book is quite unsportsmanlike like. I understand that as captain he has a role in questioning certain calls but he knows when he's flogging a dead horse and tries to use his 'I am Cam Smith' status to influence refs to side with him. He has also had the luxury of playing alongside some of the games greats almost though his entire career which has enabled him to play beyond what I believe is his potential. Let's not forget also that he was part of one the biggest salary caps rorts in the games history.

[mightyrooster]

Surely this can't happen!

[Kingbilly]

Testimonials are usually dinners and done when a player has retired.
This is about control and showing the NRL who is boss

[HBK]

why would anyone earning over a million dollars a season need a testimonial?

[rented tracksuit]

How about they make it a roast?!?