Bulldogs star Klemmer reportedly wants out of his contract

Clutching, but they say now they won't release him until they have a 'similar' replacement so there may still be a glimmer of hope there.

Yeah, I read the medical story too. It’s not a good sign. The only circumstance I can imagine that it’s not a done deal is that Klem is off for 6 weeks leave now so maybe it’s now or not for six weeks. Am I clutching? Anyway, if he goes he goes. It’s disappointing. No one forced him to sign his current deal and it’s not that long ago the Dogs signed him to a then record deal for a player yet to play first grade. Quickly forgotten when the cash is being splashed. Swings and roundabouts I guess - hopefully the dogs can sort something out with him.

Hey The Barry. Thanks. Yep, totally agree with you here. If someone doesn't want to be somewhere it is hard to hide - even if they have the best intentions. I just read he did a medical with Newcastle this morning and he has permission to 'look around'. So sounds like it is a done deal. I am a Knights man so i really would love this to happen (set us up to challenge for top 4 with some luck), but... if the same thing happened to us with Ponga, I'd be filthy, so do feel your pain.

Hey Morshead - I’ve really respected some of your responses here. Well thought out and articulated. There’s one other aspect to these sort of scenarios that gives players a bit of extra leverage and that’s the cultural impact of retaining a player that just doesn’t want to be there. I’m a Dogs fan. If all this is true then I genuinely think fair play to Klemmer for asking to be released. I have nothing against it. But you’d like to think that if the Dogs say no that he’ll suck it up and get on with the job and honour the contract he signed for very good money before he was one of the best props in the world. But unfortunately that’s often not the case. A player can choose to be a destabilising influence either consciously or subconsciously and in an environment that is as reliant on positive culture as a professional sporting team that can do more harm than good regardless of how good the player is. I’d imagine even if a player did nothing wrong and acted like a total professional, just the fact that his team mates are aware that he doesn’t want to be there may be a destabilising influence. And that environment would not be good for the players mental health or his team mates, which in turn impacts performance further. So there’s a lot to weigh up for a club when considering these sort of requests. Hopefully the Dogs and Klem can work it out, he sees out his contract and we go from there.

I didn't say it was any worse but if it is because i used the word 'sook', then... in the other two cases, reparations were or are likely to be paid, and as no money was paid for services not directly delivered the aggrieved party could more or less get on with it. But sitting on the sidelines cost the Dragons a year's salary (their side of the bargain) for someone not delivering their best football (the other side of the bargain). Besides all that it just doesn't sit well with me and if a child did it you would chastise them for it. In the case of Klemmer, in similar circumstances, if you're a Bulldogs fan what would you prefer he do? You would think they will let him go, but it might also be fair HE, not his next club that he hasn't signed with yet, pay some reparation for breaking contract. Then, while not perfect for either party, they could both probably live with it. But if they don't let him go and he sulks in reserve grade for a year then nobody wins and everybody pays. What has it got to do with Wayne Bennett?

Haha...let’s wait till he’s signed boys. Don’t forget all these “stories” about Klemmer wanting to leave all stem from one scoop from Phil Rothfield. And it’s the third time in 12 months he’s written the same story and it hasn’t happened yet. But you’re right about Newcastle. I have friends that moved up there and I can’t see them ever leaving. Not sure it holds as true for footy players.

reeks of Issac Moses

Can you please explain why, in your view, choosing not to play for a season is any worse than just walking away a la SBW or going to court to try to break a legally-binding contract? Your answer must not refer to Wayne Bennett.

Once they go to Newcastle rarely do they want to leave. Klemmer and his family are going to love the place. Welcome to Newy Dave.

2.1 million to spend.

Phil Gardner (Knights CEO) has said they are already planning to upgrade Ponga’s current contract (at some stage) in line with his stature in the game. I’d imagine (and hope) that includes an extension as a part of the deal.

“ponga was cheap compared to what he would be worth on the open market now” True. So was Klemmer...maybe Ponga will be asking for a release soon too...

Pretty much like he did in the Super League war when he left for the Eels.

Feel sorry for Dean Pay. Gave his all as a player now watches his most experienced players walking out the door.

Yeah...I agree with this Contracts can be renegotiated or bought out in many ways. Rugby league is not unique. Fair play to Klemmer for requesting an out (if he did - every report is a report of a report, the original of which seems to stem from the keyboard of Phil Rothfield) but hopefully if the Dogs say no, he sucks it up and gets on with the job.

I think we need to add the name Wayne Bennett to Godwin’s law. Once mentioned all debate must end...

With Des' tried and proven back-ended contracts I'm surprised you would even ask that.

Cry me a river. Finally Knights have some clout. Don't expect it to stop anytime soon.

Short answer, yes. That's what the last two years have been about. Cutting every middling, over priced player from the roster, playing under the cap, forward paying contracts so they can get a warchest to buy good players, which in turn gives them success and credibility which will mean they can get players in future for less because they will want to play there. Also, Wests Group taking over has helped because finally, FINALLY, we can get some decent TPA's and compete with the Tier one teams who write their own rules (Roosters, Brisbane, Melbourne anyone?).

A contract is legally binding.. by uh, law. If both parties agree to break it then it can be broken. If not, if one side wants the contract enforced then... you can do what Dessie is doing and go to court, or you can do what SBW did and just leave (and pay a penalty later), or you can do what Tallis did and sook and sit on the bench for a year and not play, or you can take your lumps and see through what you signed. The 'problem' i guess is that everyone now pulls out the 'personal circumstances' line and mostly it is BS, but the other party find it hard to deny it and if they do it sets them up to be the bad guy.