Prized South Sydney recruit Craig Wing is reportedly at loggerheads with a third-party sponsor over a six-figure sum that was paramount in luring Wing to the Bunnies in 2008.
Wing had agreed to a $100,000 contract with well known real estate guru John McGrath – a 3rd party deal given the nod by the NRL.
Wing linked with the Rabbitohs for around $1 million over 4 years after walking away from the Roosters to rejoin his junior club South Sydney. It’s believed with 3rd party agreements in place, Wings salary is up to around $350,000 a season with the sweeteners.
However the deal with McGrath, a school boy friend of South Sydney boss Russell Crowe, but who also has close links to the Roosters, has gone south over terms in the agreement.
Apparently under the agreement, Craig Wing is supposed to do 18 hours a week in promotions and appearances with McGrath’s real estate group.
Reports suggest with recovering injuries adding to Wings schedule in 2008, the star recruit needing quite some time to recover from his shoulder surgery, in addition to club training and general duties – the McGrath work has slipped below the required rate.
Whether Wing is concerned or keen to make alternative arrangements over the deal is uncertain. However, just last month Wing signed a agreement with Foxtel, a move that could possibly be easing some of the financial strain felt by the souring McGrath deal.
However, in a sign that relations with McGrath aren’t totally unwound, Wing used the real estate group to try to sell his Centennial Park pad in late October.
South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson said the issues with the McGrath-Wing agreement does not have an impact, Wing’s main contract with the Rabbitohs.
“Craig hasn’t approached us saying it is a problem,” Richardson said.
“This was a deal done externally and is really between Craig and John.”