Storm in threat to sue Broncos

THE Broncos’ search for a new CEO has been thrown into disarray, with NRL rivals Melbourne threatening legal action over Brisbane’s pursuit of Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy.

Brisbane’s board meeting on Monday night failed to rubberstamp Paul White’s successor due to an employment clause in Donaghy’s Storm contract that precludes him formally negotiating with the Broncos.

The Broncos had jettisoned 160 applicants to establish a shortlist of five and it is s understood former r sports journalist Don- aghy (pictured) is one of two preferred candidates ahead of Ben Ikin and former Reds boss Richard Barker.

But under a non-compete clause in Donaghy’s contract, the Storm CEO is unable to hold formal talks with any prospective employer until January 31.

The 37-year-old did not formally apply for the Broncos job, with Brisbane having made overtures to Donaghy for preliminary discussions.

Storm chairman Matt Tripp ramped up his attack on the Broncos, saying the club would enforce Donaghy’s contract and would consider suing Brisbane if they forged ahead with plans to poach the Melbourne boss.

“This is not the way I run a business,” Tripp said.

“We will be enforcing our contract with Dave and if the Broncos are up for a legal stoush, then tell them to get ready – I’m all for it.

“I’m not going to sit back and allow the Broncos, who think they are the 500-pound gorilla in every room they walk into, to try and bully the Melbourne Storm by cherrypicking our chief executive. “Dave can’t speak to them ( (the Broncos) until January 31, that’s why contracts are there, and we will protect our IP (intellectual property) fiercely.”

The Broncos have two options. They can choose to put their search for a new chief executive on the backburner and wait until February 1 to talk with Donaghy.

That appears an unlikely scenario given Brisbane’s need to get the front office in order.

The other option is to turn their attention to other shortlisted contenders such as Ikin, a former Broncos premiership playmaker who has carved out a media career.

Tripp says he can understand if the Gladstone-born Donaghy craves a return to Queensland, but believes he has unfinished business at the Storm.