DIEHARD
03-06-10, 01:45 PM
Queensland Origin stars set for huge payrise to dissuade code-swappers
STATE of Origin stars would receive huge pay increases under a Queensland Rugby League proposal aimed at rewarding loyalty and blocking more defections to rival codes.
The plan could allow long-serving players such as Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer to receive $40,000 a game, with rookies such as Dave Taylor paid at a lower base rate.
All players at present get $12,500 a game and half of that goes into a superannuation fund.
The QRL wants the new scheme implemented next year in light of the defection of Origin stars Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt to the AFL.
On top of all the drama surrounding AFL raids, the QRL also has to deal with the news Maroons coach Mal Meninga is set to be hunted by cashed-up British Super League club St Helens as the replacement for Mick Potter in 2011.
QRL managing director Ross Livermore said yesterday that Meninga was under contract to Queensland next year and he did not think the league legend was interested in club coaching.
"But given his great service as a player and coach, we would not stand in his way, and it's not as if he is going to another code," Livermore said.
After news broke of Folau's defection this week, Meninga said it was important the proposed Independent Commission was up and running soon to block raiders from rival codes.
In the meantime Livermore said the QRL would push ahead with its plan, to be submitted to the Australian Rugby League and National Rugby League.
"There are money-saving aspects to our proposal, including a draft and cutting back on the under-20s," he said.
Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au
STATE of Origin stars would receive huge pay increases under a Queensland Rugby League proposal aimed at rewarding loyalty and blocking more defections to rival codes.
The plan could allow long-serving players such as Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer to receive $40,000 a game, with rookies such as Dave Taylor paid at a lower base rate.
All players at present get $12,500 a game and half of that goes into a superannuation fund.
The QRL wants the new scheme implemented next year in light of the defection of Origin stars Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt to the AFL.
On top of all the drama surrounding AFL raids, the QRL also has to deal with the news Maroons coach Mal Meninga is set to be hunted by cashed-up British Super League club St Helens as the replacement for Mick Potter in 2011.
QRL managing director Ross Livermore said yesterday that Meninga was under contract to Queensland next year and he did not think the league legend was interested in club coaching.
"But given his great service as a player and coach, we would not stand in his way, and it's not as if he is going to another code," Livermore said.
After news broke of Folau's defection this week, Meninga said it was important the proposed Independent Commission was up and running soon to block raiders from rival codes.
In the meantime Livermore said the QRL would push ahead with its plan, to be submitted to the Australian Rugby League and National Rugby League.
"There are money-saving aspects to our proposal, including a draft and cutting back on the under-20s," he said.
Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au