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Scandal scuppers Stephen Hoiles contract
- Bret Harris
- From: The Australian
- April 26, 2010 12:00AM
IN the wake of the Storm salary cap scandal, Melbourne Rebels have withdrawn their offer to Brumbies captain and number eight Stephen Hoiles.
The Rebels had given Hoiles until yesterday to make a decision, but took their offer off the table before the deadline expired.
It is understood the Rebels' offer to Hoiles included a significant third-party endorsement, although there is no suggestion the deal flouted the ARU's recruitment protocols.
"With all the recent drama it has been formally withdrawn," Hoiles said of the Rebels' offer.
"I'm hoping to re-sign with the Brumbies. It's a couple of weeks away."
The Rebels declined to reveal why they withdrew their offer to Hoiles on the same day disgraced chief executive Brian Waldron resigned.
Waldron was named as the "architect" of NRL team Melbourne Storm's salary cap rort.
"I'm not making any comment on contractual matters," Rebels acting chief executive Pat Wilson said.
"There is a raft of players we have talked to and considered at different times. Those discussions are private and confidential."
Hoiles was keen to supplement his Super 14 contract after the ARU declined to offer a top-up.
Under ARU protocols, Super rugby teams are not allowed to arrange third-party deals. They must be organised by the player's manager.
There is certain to be more scrutiny of the Rebels' contracting following the departure of Waldron.
The ARU will work with the Rebels to ensure the contracting protocols have been observed.
"It makes sense in terms of good corporate governance for everyone to ensure all contracting protocols are in accordance with ARU protocols," an ARU spokesman said.
"We've had indications from the Rebels they would like to work with us in ensuring there is no room for innuendo or speculation.
"It would not be appropriate for the ARU to be commenting on issues the NRL is dealing with. However, the issue for all sports is how to deal with third-party agreements to assure compliance and risk-management processes are adequate.
"It's incumbent upon us all to make sure our backyards are tidy. It goes to the fundamental issue of reputation and integrity."
Hoiles' preference was to stay in Canberra and the Rebels were aware of that. If he showed more interest in moving to Melbourne, the Rebels would probably have kept the offer on the table.
He had been approached by French club Stade Francais, but Hoiles will now look to supplement his contract by getting a part-time "real job".
There has been speculation the Rebels would raid the ranks of the Storm, but they did not want to be seen as preying on the NRL club's vulnerability.
"We are working closely with the Storm," Rebels coach Rod Macqueen said. "We want to support them as much as we can."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225858115175
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