Inside story of Storm's Inglis deal

Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: DailyTelegraph

PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

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IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.

Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm. But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".

At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010). Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Greg Inglis and his speed boat.

Before one of the earliest meetings, Gainey spoke privately to Inglis about his asking price.

Gainey said, "I think you should go for 500 to 550." Inglis instructed, "550 would be better."

"Fine."

Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year - a good place to start.

Waldron sat down with them later and opened with a curious statement. He said he had been told by the NRL that he must do whatever it takes to secure the future of Inglis at the Storm and in the NRL long term.

Cover of Storm Cloud, Melbourne journalist Paul Kennedy's new book on the Melbourne Storm's unprecedented salary cap cheating.

Gainey took Waldron to mean that he had been empowered by the NRL, News Ltd and the Storm board of directors to negotiate whatever it would take - that he had a totally free hand to keep Inglis in the league. The CEO proposed a four-year deal.

Inglis had been contracted to Storm for 2007-2010. His performances were improving and his stature in the game was growing at club, state and international levels. Gainey said, "Greg will need a financial package of $550,000 per season to extend his contract to represent his true market value."

Waldron nodded and said he didn't think that was a problem. But he added the package would have to include third-party agreements and mentioned the possibility of a federal government program for outstanding indigenous athletes.

Gainey says he thought Waldron meant the NRL would approve any increase in salary and perhaps involve its sponsors in some legitimate side deals.

Gainey spent the rest of the meeting chasing up extras. Inglis wanted a sponsor's car to drive and he wanted airfares for his family. The agent also mentioned money owed. Inglis had still not been paid promised money through the league development scheme. Also, there was $40,000 outstanding from a contract variation.

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith has warned the rest of the NRL: Write the reigning premiers off at your own peril.

The world's most exciting player had not spoken much during the meeting, letting his agent go to work. In wrapping up, Waldron concluded that he would seek the endorsement and ratification of the board at Storm and get back to Gainey.

As everyone was leaving Inglis said to Waldron, "Is there any chance of getting a boat for Dad?" Not even Gainey knew his client was going to make the request.

Waldron replied, "When you're ready I'll give you a contact person and they'll look after you. Up to a maximum of $30,000."

A week after the Federation Square meeting, Gainey and Inglis caught up briefly at Manly Pacific Hotel. Storm were playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale the following day. The agent and footballer itemised the terms for extending Inglis's contract.

Inglis liked the look of the items and numbers. "I'll stay if you can get that deal done," he said.

Then Inglis flagged, almost as an afterthought, his desire for Storm to provide rental assistance to his parents should they relocate to Melbourne (they were planning to do so). Gainey said he would try to include it. He left the meeting experiencing relief and satisfaction.

News Ltd is the publisher of this website.

This is an edited extract from Storm Cloud: Melbourne Storm's Demise and Resurrection by Paul Kennedy, published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $29.95. Available in stores nationally.

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