Penrith Panthers are facing the problem the salary cap is designed to create.
As they enjoy success and create stars, they are unable to keep all those stars as they struggle to fit them under the cap.
One of those that they could lose is star centre Stephen Crichton who was the match winner in the 2021 Grand Final prior to breaking English hearts in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final with a Golden Point drop goal.
The centre is keen on making the switch to fullback and wants the money that role comes with.
This has created interested from the Canterbury Bulldogs and The Dolphins.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herlad, the Chief Executive at the club has explained that the club understands the situation and hinted that they are resigned to losing the star player.
“In the negotiations Matt Cameron [Penrith District Rugby League Football Club chief executive] has had with Stephen’s manager he has made it clear he wants a chance at fullback, and the spin-off of that is that he wants fullback money,” Panthers Group chief executive Brian Fletcher said.
“We respect that and understand his desire to go to market. We don’t have the money we anticipate he will command, and if that happens we understand, but we already have one of the best fullbacks in the NRL [Clive Churchill Medallist Dylan Edwards], so it’s hard to see how Stephen can play fullback with us. He will still be with us in 2023 regardless.”
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