Volkman in Dragons contract drama
You would have to be the most coldhearted of fans to not have looked forward to the prospect of Ronald Volkman getting some extended first grade minutes in 2024.
The promising Warriors half was released from the final two years of his deal to take up a one-year contract with the Dragons, due to the logjam of talented halves at Mt Smart preventing him from breaking into the squad.
It was reported on Thursday a scan had revealed a season-ending shoulder injury and will result in a termination of his agreement.
The most revealing element of the story was that, according to Australian media, the Dragons had not officially registered Volkman’s contract with the NRL — and now won’t be at all, given the injury revelation.
This leaves fans with questions as to how the world of professional sports contracts works.
Are the Warriors still on the hook? Unlikely, as they granted the release that should be their end of the deal upheld. Are the Dragons on the hook?
Surely not; if a contract was not signed between them and Volkman, they bear no financial responsibility. Is Volkman staring down the barrel of an unpaid season on the sidelines? Potentially.
But that is the crux of the issue. Behind the dollar signs, there is an underworld of clauses and conditions which allow management of clubs to do their jobs; run a business.
If the Dragons knew Volkman had an underlying issue and took precautions to prevent themselves being left holding the bag should he be unfit to play, that is good business.
In fact, it’s great business. They had a risk-free crack at signing a talented young player. It didn’t work out but they lose nothing in terms of salary cap.
Volkman’s fledgling career and bank balance are likely the only losers here.