Queenslander
03-05-06, 06:14 PM
Panthers almost lost Priddis
By Adrian Proszenko
May 3, 2006
PENRITH hooker Luke Priddis says a lack of respect from club officials almost forced him out of the NRL club at the end of the season.
Priddis this week re-signed with Penrith till the end of the 2008 season, ending speculation he was bound for the Gold Coast.
The sticking point through negotiations was the length of the new deal, with Priddis wanting a two-year arrangement while the Panthers originally only wanted to offer a one-year deal.
In the end the club ceded to Priddis' wishes.
"I didn't want to be playing for a year-to-year contract, I think I deserve a little bit more respect than that," Priddis said tonight.
"Finally we came around and agreed to terms.
"I thought I deserved a little bit more respect, I feel I've given the club and game good service and they know what I'm all about."
Priddis said he was particularly frustrated by comments from Penrith general manager Mick Leary, who described him as "the most professional player I have ever met", yet initially only offered him a one-year deal.
"It was disappointing hearing all this stuff about how professional I am and then being treated like the new kid on the block," he said.
"It's all business, but it's hard when you deal with it personally.
"The main thing is we got everything sorted out for '07-08 and the possibility of '09.
"I didn't like the way the administration handled it but we've managed to sort it all out."
The former New South Wales State of Origin rake said he always wanted to finish his career in Penrith.
"It's disappointing to see (coach) John (Lang) leave but I suppose bringing in a new coach is like going to a new club," he said.
"Now that it's all set in concrete I'm looking forward to a change and we'll see what the new coach has to offer."
AAP
By Adrian Proszenko
May 3, 2006
PENRITH hooker Luke Priddis says a lack of respect from club officials almost forced him out of the NRL club at the end of the season.
Priddis this week re-signed with Penrith till the end of the 2008 season, ending speculation he was bound for the Gold Coast.
The sticking point through negotiations was the length of the new deal, with Priddis wanting a two-year arrangement while the Panthers originally only wanted to offer a one-year deal.
In the end the club ceded to Priddis' wishes.
"I didn't want to be playing for a year-to-year contract, I think I deserve a little bit more respect than that," Priddis said tonight.
"Finally we came around and agreed to terms.
"I thought I deserved a little bit more respect, I feel I've given the club and game good service and they know what I'm all about."
Priddis said he was particularly frustrated by comments from Penrith general manager Mick Leary, who described him as "the most professional player I have ever met", yet initially only offered him a one-year deal.
"It was disappointing hearing all this stuff about how professional I am and then being treated like the new kid on the block," he said.
"It's all business, but it's hard when you deal with it personally.
"The main thing is we got everything sorted out for '07-08 and the possibility of '09.
"I didn't like the way the administration handled it but we've managed to sort it all out."
The former New South Wales State of Origin rake said he always wanted to finish his career in Penrith.
"It's disappointing to see (coach) John (Lang) leave but I suppose bringing in a new coach is like going to a new club," he said.
"Now that it's all set in concrete I'm looking forward to a change and we'll see what the new coach has to offer."
AAP