The Dragons have accepted a suspended $40,000 fine after the NRL issued the club a breach notice on Tuesday over the Ronald Volkman fiasco.
Volkman left the Warriors last summer and signed a 12-month deal at the Dragons but his contract was torn up in his first week at the club after failing a medical.
The 22-year-old half was carrying a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery and St George Illawarra claimed they had been misled by the Warriors.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Volkman suffered a contact injury in December while still with the Warriors and scans at the Dragons showed displaced screws from a previous operation.
Volkman went to see an independent doctor who confirmed the he needed the surgery, which could cost up to $50,000.
The Dragons didn’t have to initially pay out Volkman’s contract because it hadn’t been registered with the NRL, despite the fact he’d started training and the club had announced his signing.
The fiasco left the playmaker in contract limbo and without health insurance as neither team was on the hook to pay his medical bills.
The Warriors agreed to pay for Volkman’s surgery and the RLPA had to get involved before a confidential settlement was reached with the Dragons over his $175,000 salary.
“The National Rugby League today issued a breach notice to the St George Illawarra Dragons alleging a breach of the NRL Rules,” the NRL statement read.
“The breach notice relates to a contractual matter involving player Ronald Volkman from earlier in the year. The NRL acknowledges the cooperation of the Dragons with the investigation of the NRL Integrity Unit.
“The notice proposes a fine for the club of $40,000, which will be suspended for a period of 24 months. The Dragons have five business days to respond to the breach notice.”
Radley admits seriousness of injury | 00:58
MORE NRL NEWS
‘DOESN’T MATTER’: Hynes hits back at critics ahead of biggest game of his career
TEAM TIPS: Bellamy’s selection headache as Panthers star returns
HOOPS: Get on the bus: Ivan’s wild ride to coaching immortality as FIFTH GF beckons
The Dragons released their own statement within minutes of the NRL’s on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Dragons acknowledge receipt of a breach notice issued today by the NRL concerning Ronald Volkman earlier this year,” it read.
“The notice proposes a suspended fine which the club will accept.
“The NRL acknowledged the cooperation of the Dragons with the investigation of the NRL Integrity Unit.
“In navigating this complex situation, the club worked closely with all parties involved to reach a resolution and is committed to ensuring compliance moving forward.”
The Sharks, Dolphins and Sea Eagles are all looking at signing Volkman for 2025.
Discussion about this post