League: Money-go-round continues in NRL

Contract negotiations continue at most NRL clubs but the majority are now near their allowable 25 players and most have just back-up spots to fill and only back-up money to pay.

The biggest move this week is that of former Eels wayward centre and now St Helens five-eighth Jamie Lyon to Manly for three years for a reported A$2 million ($2.45m).

Lyon was still contracted to the Eels until July 1 despite being granted release to go to England in 2005 and Parramatta had prevented him from negotiating with other NRL clubs.

Manly beat Penrith and Parramatta to his signature, Lyon claiming it was because of friendship with the Sea Eagles recruitment manager Noel Cleal, who used to do the same job for the Eels.

The Sea Eagles also extended the contract of current five-eighth Travis Burns through 2007.

After losing fullback Wade McKinnon to the Warriors, Parramatta re-signed wing Luke Burt, prop Aaron Cannings and young back-up players Josh Cordoba, Weller Hauraki and Blake Green.

The first sign of new coach Michael Hagan's hand came with the signing of Knights bench forward Todd Lowrie for three years.

The Bulldogs have signed Dragons centre Daryl Millard for three years and Daniel Irvine is leaving the Dogs for Souths for two seasons.

The Rabbitohs have re-signed veteran fullback David Peachey for 2007 and also retained prop Luke Stuart and halfback Joe Williams for next season.

Canberra have retained wing-cum-fullback Marshall Chalk for 2007. The Broncos extended the deals of fullback Karmichael Hunt and back-rower David Stagg to three years, prop Ben Hannant (two years), and hooker Michael Ennis - an additional year.

The Dragons re-signed second rower Ben Creagh for three more years. North Queensland extended the deal with forward Jacob Lillyman for two years.

The Gold Coast signed Kiwis wing Jake Webster for three years.

The Warriors have two spots left on their roster - the only big name still to commit being Awen Guttenbeil, who has had an outstanding season and has received better offers from English clubs.

The club was relieved to secure young second rower Epalahame Lauaki this week and will elevate Sonny Fai from Counties-Manukau to the top squad next season and is otherwise waiting to see who is left on the market.

The Rugby League Players' Association and the NRL have agreed terms for player wages through to 2010, with the salary cap to extend from A$3.36m to A$3.99million ($4.1-4.9m) next year for the top-25.

Minimum wages rise from A$37,500 to A$55,000 for a top-25 player. In addition clubs can keep back-up players with the top squad on a fulltime basis but it must pay them A$25,000 ($30,000) plus A$2000 ($2,450) per game. The deal also provides for payments of A$12,500 ($14,700) for a State of Origin appearance - but just A$6000 ($7360) for a test match.

The difference is down to the money generated by each. Broadcasting rights for internationals have in recent years been tagged on to deals to show Super League and the NRL but that changes from 2007, with separate contracts to be arranged for internationals and a stand-alone deal for the 2008 World Cup.

The New Zealand Rugby League hopes that broadcasters will bring weight to bear in the player availability issue, forcing clubs to release those selected so the best teams get on the paddock.

Negotiations continue to repeat the mid-June test against Great Britain in England next year.

The England Rugby League has already agreed to enforce release of players from Super League clubs.

The NZRL was speaking with the NRL this week about the scheduling of the test and of byes in the Australian competition.

Great Britain and Australia have made approaches about playing the New Zealand A side in build-up to the end-of-year Tri Nations.

The NZRL believes such games may also provide an opportunity for fringe Kiwis and will discuss the proposals at its board meeting next week, with a favourable outcome likely.