Spending spree of Coast not done yet
GOLD Coast have already brought nine fresh faces into their NRL top squad but they are contractually obligated to spend more still.
Drawn out negotiations about the game’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement eventually resulted in a $9.4 million salary cap for 2018, of which every club must spend at least 95 per cent.
Chief executive Graham Annesley confirmed that even after their latest signing on Thursday, centre Brenko Lee from Canterbury, the Titans are yet to reach the mandatory $8.93 million minimum outlay.
“We are probably not the only ones in that regard,” he said.
“Obviously with Jarryd Hayne leaving, that opened up a significant amount of space for us.
“We’re budgeting to spend in excess of 95 per cent of the cap. All clubs have got an obligation under the Collective Bargaining Agreement to spend at least 95 per cent and we will do that.”
The Titans still have two spots free in the top 30 roster.
But Annesley revealed the
club may make a savvy strategic play with their remaining compulsory expenditure to position themselves for an even bigger and better 2019.
“We don’t necessarily have to spend it all on new players,” he said. “You can pre-pay players which increases your capacity to go into the market at the end of ’18 for ’19.”
In other words, for example, a portion of Ash Taylor’s rich new contract could be paid in advance next year to give the club more breathing space in future seasons.
Though such plans are on the radar, there is no thought of 2018 being a building year.
“We have every opportunity to perform well in the competition,” Annesley said.
On top of recruiting Lee, Jai Arrow, Michael Gordon, Leilani Latu, Mitch Rein, Will Matthews, Brendan Elliot, Jai Whitbread and Jack Stockwell to their main squad, the Titans have also added Kiah Cooper (Roosters) and Tony Matautia (Sharks) on development contracts.