League: NRL chief urges respect for 'sanctity' of contracts

NRL head David Gallop has called on players and clubs to respect the "sanctity" of contracts after speculation Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Gasnier are trying to get out of their long-term deals.

Gasnier signed a five-year contract with St George Illawarra in 2006 and Kiwis international Williams a deal of the same length with the Bulldogs last year, but both players have signalled they would consider quitting the NRL before those deals expire. "I'm very hopeful that they'll both stay in our game," Gallop said.

Asked when he considered a contract to be binding, Gallop said: "They have to be respected by clubs and players. The reason that contracts are signed is to give everybody certainty, including the fans."

- AGENCIES