Cap uncertainty over Turbos’ ABS
The Manawatu Turbos are facing a balancing act when it comes to planning their final roster spots for the 2017 season.
They are keeping plenty of wriggle room with a degree of uncertainty over whether All Blacks Ngani Laumape and Nehe Milner-skudder will count against their salary cap.
Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive John Knowles said they would only find out if one, both or neither of them counted towards their salary cap later this month.
‘‘If they are All Blacks, the New Zealand Rugby Union repay most, but not all, of the salary. But it is based on the Rugby Championship squad, not on the Lions series or the end of year tour,’’ Knowles said.
‘‘You have to make sure that you have enough buffer in budget and your salary cap to cover those eventualities.’’
There is a similar situation regarding halfback Aaron Smith, but his position in the team is more assured, while first fiveeighth Aaron Cruden was granted an early release from his Turbos contract to take up his contract in France.
Laumape looks likely to hold onto his spot in the All Blacks after impressing in his two tests against the Lions.
But Milner-skudder’s situation is a little murkier.
The outside back was not named in the All Blacks for the Lions tour, having only just recovered from an ankle injury.
He will need to display top form over the Hurricanes’ playoffs run if he is to force his way back into the squad.
It would be an added bonus for the Turbos’ chances if he was overlooked.
Even if Laumape and Milnerskudder are picked for the Rugby Championship, they would likely be released for a couple of matches if they were not in the regular runon side.
Knowles said the team had plans in place regardless of the outcome and had players in mind should the duo be confirmed in the All Blacks.
But there were other areas that had the Turbos thinking carefully about their remaining salary cap space.
Knowles said with the increased awareness surrounding concussions, they were prepared for the possibility of needing to call up additional players on short term deals.
Elsewhere, the team is particularly light on hookers with just two fit options signed. Incumbent Travis Taylor had surgery on his hip last week which confirmed his season was over.
There might also be space for a lock or a loose forward and a midfield or outside back.
The Turbos have 33 players under contract including their trio of All Blacks and the injured Taylor.
Midfielder Jason Emery was expected to be out for the season with his achilles injury, but is now targeting a round four return.