Rugby League Players' Association blasts Roosters over Victor Radley punishment loophole
Updated . First published at
The Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) is concerned about the punishment handed down to Victor Radley by the Sydney Roosters, calling on the club to explain the details of the sanctions, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
Radley was implicated in a Queensland Police investigation that resulted in his former teammate, Brandon Smith, facing a drug supply charge.
On Thursday, the Roosters suspended Radley for 10 games without pay, a penalty worth around $125,000, after text messages that involved Radley were published by media outlets.
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Victor Radley in action for the Roosters. Getty
The lock forward was also ordered to donate $30,000 to charity.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the RLPA is uncertain whether the Roosters' punishment is in line with the rules in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), believing the penalty does not fit the options available to the club.
Radley has accepted the punishment for bringing the club into disrepute and will meet with Roosters supremo Nick Politis on Monday to sign away his rights to appeal the club's decision.
He will not attempt to reduce his punishment.
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Despite this, the RLPA has voiced concerns about the Roosters' actions and could potentially file a dispute with the NRL.
This could happen pending the outcome of their request for more information from the club.
Roosters boss Nick Politis speaks with Victor Radley. Getty
The RLPA reportedly respects Radley's decision to accept the punishment but wants to ensure the Roosters' actions do not set a precedent that other clubs could exploit in the future.
Under the CBA, a club can deduct one-thirtieth of a player's salary for each game they are suspended for more than eight matches.
However, the Roosters have instead chosen to suspend Radley for 10 games without pay, a penalty worth about $125,000.
This decision allows the club to apply for an estimated $150,000 in salary cap relief next year, something they would not have been able to do with a fine, as fines do not qualify for a salary cap exemption.
The NRL has not guaranteed that the request will be approved, as they are waiting for Smith's court case to conclude before beginning their own integrity unit investigation.
On Thursday, Smith's lawyer told Southport Magistrates Court that the drug and betting charges against him would be contested.
The case was then adjourned until October 9.
The 10-week suspension without pay is a net loss to Radley of around $65,000, while a fine of the same value ($125,000) would have cost him nearly double.
The $30,000 charity donation is also a tax deduction.
Brandon Smith and Victor Radley when they were teammates at the Tricolours. Getty
Under the CBA, clubs can fine a player up to 25 per cent of their salary.
Since Radley is set to earn $650,000 next year, the maximum penalty would be $162,500.
Radley has not been charged by police or accused of any wrongdoing.
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