ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has stood by his strong comments condemning R360, believing NRL players considering a code switch are being “hung out to dry” by the rebel union league.
In the past fortnight, two NRL stars in Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax have been granted immediate releases by the Storm and Eels respectively. While the plans of those players aren’t yet confirmed, it is believed both have requested releases to link up with R360.
Speaking to Code Sports, V’landys says players thinking of following the likes of Papenhuyzen and Lomax should tread carefully.
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“I just feel very sorry for the players … They are being hung out to dry,” V’landys said.
“I have nothing against the players. They are being used as guinea pigs. I hope they get their money upfront and bank guarantees.
“Anyone can make promises. Can they deliver them? I feel sorry for Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
“Where is the duty of care? Who has done that for them? Where is the due diligence? I stand by what I said – it’s out of a Cornflakes box.”
V’landys said weeks ago that the NRL will slap those players who break contract and defect to R360 with ten-year bans.
He hinted that the NRL will make good on that warning.
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Zac Lomax and Payne Haas.Source: FOX SPORTS
“As custodians of the game, we have to protect the fans. The fans want us to do something.
“We will be very strong. They are jeopardising their careers in the NRL for something they know nothing about,” V’landys said.
While Papenhuyzen and Lomax are the first two to walk out of the NRL, they probably won’t be the only two dominoes to fall.
Broncos superstar Payne Haas, considered by some as the game’s most damaging player, is also weighing up a move to R360.
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V’landys wasn’t able to stop Lomax and Papenhuyzen. He’ll be doing everything in his power to retain Haas though.
“I will speak to Payne because I have been asked to,” V’landys said.
“At the moment I am letting him have a break. I am letting him have some peace and quiet, but I will be talking to him.”
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