According to reports from the Daily Telegraph, the new management at the Parramatta Eels could influence whether they actually land their biggest on-field prize next year, Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran.
Parramatta CEO Scott Seward resigned last week, and the reports run that in the time since, the Eels management have tried to alter the terms of the contract.
Seward is reportedly the man who oversaw the negotiations with Foran, and the deal was never given the club’s stamp of approval.
New Zealand representative Foran signed a $4.8-million contract earlier this year to move from Manly at the end of this season, but now the talk is that he might turn his back on the Eels.
All of this is in the wake of the recent salary cap drama at the club, which could still see the club lose four competition points for the 2016 season.
Some of the terms of the contract mentioned in the reports include a ‘walk away’ clause, which includes the payment of damages to the playmaker in the event of that occurring.
Parramatta attempting to alter the terms of the contract has been linked to the salary cap problems at the club, the very issues that led to Seward’s departure.
If Foran is to opt out of the deal with the Eels, he would become a free agent again. With Round 13 already been and gone, it would be a matter of going with the highest bidder, of which there are likely to b plenty, or remaining with the Sea Eagles.
UPDATE:
The Eels have released the following statement since the reports:
“The Parramatta Eels are aware of news coverage today relating to the status of five-eighth Kieran Foran’s contract with the club,” the statement read.
“The Eels have been working with the NRL and Kieran Foran’s management on two clauses within his contract that were previously undisclosed to the Board and senior football management.
“The discussions have been productive and it is the club’s understanding that issues surrounding these clauses can be resolved.
“The club is extremely disappointed that these confidential discussions have been made public.”
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Except you forget that a large amount of that could be TPA's. Given they have the whole NZ market to themselves to draw off, it could add up to quite an amount on top of the salary cap. It's really how the better clubs have that depth.
3 Hats
Guest
Johnston $1M, RTS 850K and Isaac Luke was on 800K at Souths so he would probably get more at the Warriors. SO... How can the Warriors afford Foran UNDER the CAP? No chance.
HarryT
Guest
Care to elaborate?
fazed
Guest
The talk around with the roosters is that they are holding out for Jarryd Hayne should he not make the NFL cut off, at that point there could be some removals at City Ford. They could not sign both, so choices in this case will be like a blind folded dart player.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Parra are trying hard to take the mantle of worst club in the NRL. But are the Sharks willing to give up the only prize they have ever won?
3 Hats
Guest
The Warriors have a History of breaking their Cap. so why not?
3 Hats
Guest
Alex L What makes you think Foran would even consider going to Souths? The Rabbitohs have many youngsters coming off contract this year and next. I would prefer to keep Auva, Turner, Brown, Grevsmuhl, and Gray. All need up grading to keep. We also have to Keep Reynolds, 550K, Keary 500K, and Walker 350K who are all on modest contracts considering the first 2 are Halves and Walker is a Test player. The Burgess twins also next year. The mail at Souths is that Ben Teo' is coming back and Sam Burgess will return also in 2017 Souths Cap is pretty full. Unlike Parramatta, Souths don't break the Cap and have fantastic financial Management
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
They couldn't be way under the cap for one. Rules dictate that they must use a minimum 80%. Considering the fat contracts awarded to Johnson, RTS, and Luke I can't see too much wiggle room left. Another thing is that Foran has expressed his desire from the outset that he wants to remain in Sydney. Only clubs I see likely would be Dogs who are losing a few guys this year, Roosters who are about to start a roster turnover with Maloney and RTS already gone, and possibly Manly if he's willing to take a pay cut (unlikely). Titans have the coin but it'd take a lot to get him out of sydney.
john badseed
Guest
It'll be ICAC for the rorters when they sign Foran.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
As a Souths fan I'm pretty happy with Luke Keary. Foran is a very good player but I would never break the bank for him. Souths also have Cody Walker playing for the Bears.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Foran will NEVER play for the Roosters whilst ever Peter O'Sullivan is at the Club.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
That club has been a joke since 1987... I do hope though that they get the act together once and for all. The Eels ought to be a powerhouse of the game.
scott
Guest
Don't bag the girl in the yellow dress, she won NSW the series last year.
stu
Guest
All adds up. Friend will be released too. They are currently way under the cap
jamesb
Guest
Fair dinkum. Parramattas front office has to be in the bottom two or three worst run in the NRL.
jamesb
Guest
Yeah, Townsend and Matagi are on huge coin. Please.
jamesb
Guest
Why not just sign the rest of the NZ test side.
Freighter
Guest
How important is your front office in winning competitions? manly are about the only exception. WTF is going on out west???
Renegade
Roar Guru
That cap space you're talking about has gone straight into the pockets of Roger and Isaac. There's no chance of getting Foran - if they do, the integrity unit will be on the next plane to Auckland.
stu
Guest
Warriors are letting go Rapira, Townsend, Tomkins, Matagi has already moved on. A number of juniors have also found new clubs. With the warriors well below the cap it wouldnt suprise me if he ends up in Auckland