Get ready for Badel's latest doozy.
According to Badel Flegler has become the most sort after forward in the game after "Fielding offers" of "up to" 800k a season, to leave us.
Flegler is off contract at the end of next year making him a "free agent" from November 1 (so I don't know how he could field offers, when other clubs can't make him offers until Nov 1)
Badel says 4 rivals (including two Sydney based clubs) have lodged "expressions of interests" for Flegler
Badel says that Flegs preference is to remain with us, but we face a "big money battle" to keep Haas, so salary cap pressures could force Flegs out.
Badel says Flegler is on $650k this season, but NRL suitors have discussed offers of $750k to $800k annually in a bid to prise the hard-running forward from the Broncos.
Badel says we want to keep Flegs
Fleglers manager, Tas Bartlett of PSM says:
“What happens with Payne Haas and the Broncos will have a bearing on what happens with Tom,”
“The Broncos will sit down with Payne at the end of the year and unfortunately, the Broncos may not be able to afford Tom.
“He is on good money at the moment and sometimes four or five really good forwards don’t go into three under the salary cap.
“Tom would love to stay at the Broncos, he has been with the club since he was a teenager, but there’s some big money being offered to him and we have to consider it.
“We will be testing his value on the open market.
“He is in no rush, he is contracted until the end of 2023 and whether Brisbane can match the deal he is currently on with the fantastic young roster they have coming through, it might be difficult financially.”
“The Broncos value Tom and they would love to keep him, but with the salary cap, every club knows you can’t always keep the guys you want,” Bartlett said.
“We’ve had interest from four clubs.
“Tom is still only 23 and after four seasons in the NRL, he is coming into the prime of his career in terms of middle forwards.
“If he was to stay at the Broncos, they will get a lot out of him, but if he was to go to another club, he would be a great signing because he ticks all the boxes.
“Tom is the aggressor who brings a hard edge. Other players love playing with a guy like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters enforcer) ... and every club needs a tough prop like Flegler on their roster.
“Clubs are willing to pay him around $750,000-$800,000, that’s what the market is telling us.
“Tom will have to consider staying at a reduced rate to be part of something.
“The Broncos are building towards success with their roster and often players take less to stay if they are winning.
“My other client, Selwyn Cobbo, took less to stay at the Broncos and there’s every chance ‘Fleg’ will want to stay with his mates and take less to chase a premiership.
“I will present all the options to Tom and he will make the final call.”
Kevvie says:
“’Fleg’ has forced his way into the starting side with his performances through the season,” he said.
“He has got that bit of spark about him. All our forwards want to start and there’s only so many positions you can start in, but while Tom continues to do a great job, he will remain there.”
