Netball: Pay issue requires direction says Piper

Southern Sting board member Lee Piper wants Netball New Zealand to show some leadership to prevent national league franchises from collapsing as player wage bills soar out of control.

Piper is worried that the frenzy of player movement and the big money being offered will result in some National Bank Cup franchises eventually going bust unless the national body steps in.

"In my view, NNZ has to get around the table with the franchises," Piper said. "They should not take control of it but they have to be aware of the money that is on offer.

"I know with some players we have had discussions with that we have just been blown away in terms of money [they have asked for].

"We are not even in the ball park and we would consider ourselves to be up there in terms of the size of our organisation and in terms of turnover.

"NNZ has to show some leadership or some of these franchises are just going to fall over."

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic has led the way with player recruitment in the past few weeks, signing star Silver Ferns shooter Irene van Dyk and also her Capital Shakers teammate, defender Leana du Plooy.

It was reported that van Dyk had been signed for $20,000 but it is understood the total package is around the $40,000 mark.

Not everything has gone the Magic's way in the transfer war.

Their Silver Ferns wing-defence Vic Edward will play for Auckland's Diamonds next year and shooting teammates Julie Kelman-Poto and Karen Gaddes may join her.

The Shakers have been hit the hardest, having also lost Silver Ferns shooter Jodi Te Huna to the Canterbury Flames.

Piper said the player market had never been so active since the establishment of the national league in 1998.

"In the last two years, money and remuneration were dirty words and perhaps the Sting were the only ones who came out and said, 'yes, we pay players'," Piper said.

"Now it's just open slather. People are coming out quoting figures and saying they're going for money. It is becoming more than just a semi-professional competition and I wonder at times whether NNZ are geared up to handle that."

Piper said he also feared for the future of smaller franchises like the Cometz and Flyers, who will continue to be "raped and pillaged".

"NNZ has to be aware that if it carries on the way it's going then some franchises will just fall over," Piper said.

"Is their role to run the game, control the game? Or is it to just be the figurehead and let the jungle rule?"

- NZPA