nathan_rugby wrote:
You are right, thank you for pointing out.
Still a bit of a ridiculous statement nonetheless as the club have agreed to it.
Not ridiculous at all. If Smithies had a contract and had turned out to be a complete flop, could Wigan have terminated it early and paid him nothing?
Of course they couldnt. There would have to be a settlement.
This is just a reversal on words. He has been a success and he wants to terminate it early, and as long as we get something for that, its ok with me. The bit about 1st refusal was asked in case there was no fee/compensation, as I dont see it as being fair that we sign, nurture and develop someone only for them to leave for free mid contract, then come back in a years' time and sign for a rival, when technically they could have still been under contract to us.
Obviously, if the player leaves at the end of their contract (like KPP), then they leave with just a handshake and our best wishes.