Within weeks of the damming Delloite report Club CEO's are lining up for the signature of Inglis offering him packages on par with his Melbourne deal and in the Titans case more money.
The past two months have seen the player merry-go-round in overdrive with many players being forced out of clubs because of a squeeze on an already tight salary cap. I have to ask the question of how some teams have so much money available under the cap that they can offer Greg Inglis and other leading players such big offers and deals when second tier "loyal" players are continually forced out after years of loyal service.
After spending a month in Europe during the midst of club turmoil that includes rumours about a house for Scott Prince, alleged trouble with the tax office and a continued dispute with Simcorp over the Titans "Centre of Excellence". Michael Searle had been back in the Country and its believed Searle has weighed in with a $1m deal over two years for Inglis.
It's amazes me that a club with the likes of Luke Bailey, Scott Prince, Anthony Laffranchi , Ashley Harrison, Mark Minichiello and a host of young stars including Kevin Gordan and David Meade can afford to be throwing unpreccendet figures around at players. Now I'm not saying or accusing the Titans of cheating the salary cap I'm just asking why Matt Rogers, in such great form that he is currently in, is being forced out of a club where he was foundation player.
At least one club has kept a little dignity about chasing the signature of Inglis. Brisbane made a one off offer of$400,000 take it or leave it. Inglis initially rejected the offer but when Brisbane refused to budge he reopened negotiations with the club. Brisbane has cash to throw around after the recent departures of Karmichael Hunt and the impending departure of Israel falou.
Regardless of which club is able to sign this superstar it is certain both the media and the National Rugby League will have eyes locked on the deal.
This weekend is filled with block buster encounters with clubs jostling for position on a very congested ladder.
• The Rabbitohs will come out of the burrow to out the bite on the dogs.
• Penrith will claw under achievers North Queensland
• Parramatta will be electric against a Rooster's outfit still crowing over their win against the Broncos
• Wests will trounce the Sharks
• New Zealand over the Titans on the game of the round
• Brisbane will beat St George in a thriller
• Newcastle will win at home
• Storm will bounce back over the Raiders
The situation of clubs looking for that one big signing reminds me of how some churches view the need for that golden pastor or worship leader. Too often churches are under the false impression that a superstar pastor or worship leader will solve all their problems and will bring in the crowds.
However, as they say in football – 'you can't buy a premiership' – so it is in church life.
Churches must look to train, build up and encourage new leaders from within to continue the hard work of the Lord.