There has been a lot in the press lately about the possibility of Mark Gasnier leaving the Dragons (St George Illawarra) to sign up for Rugby Union.
This hilights an issue that I feel very strongly about. I love both Rugby League and Rugby Union. From St George Illawarra to Southern Districts and beyond there is one thing that is going to link these codes fairly closely over the next few years... The Salary Cap.
Why can't a player who has X amount of talent be paid whatever he is worth. To me this includes on-field talent, and marketability. Missionaries (okay, hear me out) have to
raise their own support to go and do the mightiest job off all, and yet various organisations won't let these athletes have the opportunity of earning whatever the "labels" are willing to throw at them. The corporate world is based on the highest bidder wins. Why can't they allow those who can make the bids into the Rugby League arena?
Whilst I don't think Gaz is quite worth the bikkies that Rugby Union is allegedly going to throw his way, wouldn't it be better that he stays in League and be paid what he is worth there? In my opinion the salary cap has it's place, but have any of you been on the same rate of pay for over 5 years?
It's time to get a bigger cap, or let the corporate giants throw their (endorsed) caps into the ring.
Kath :)
PS Matt Giteau, if you're reading this, please sms Gaz the name and number of your hairdresser!
