Laulala fight 'matter of principle'

By CHRIS RATTUE

Counties Manukau are gearing up for a fight "on principle" with Canterbury for the Steelers' NPC centre Casey Laulala.

The Steelers have already turned down a cash sweetener and will consider court action to enforce Laulala's contract in their campaign to return to the first division.

Laulala has a year left on a three-year Counties Manukau academy contract, but his father told the union last week that his son had moved to Christchurch.

After Sunday's trial, the 20-year-old was chosen in a Crusaders development team to tour Argentina next month.

The Herald understands that during the November transfer period, Canterbury offered about $10,000 above the $20,000 fee for the New Zealand Colt, which was rejected.

Legal opinion may prevent court action.

But Counties Manukau chief executive Daniel Clifford said their advice rated the contract as "black and white, fully defensible." Laulala could not play for teams in or representing another province.

That sets the scene for a battle between the beaten second division finalists and the country's most successful NPC/Super 12 outfit.

Counties Manukau live hand to mouth and do not even host Chiefs matches anymore. Canterbury - with the benefits bestowed on Super 12 bases - top provincial sponsorship earnings, while the Crusaders made a $2.2 million profit in 2002.

Just 11 days ago, a compromise prevented a court determining the validity of Auckland's contract with Waikato prop Deacon Manu.

The New Zealand Rugby Union's lawyers - who backed Auckland - are looking at Laulala's case at the request of the player and Canterbury.

Laulala signed a contract - when Counties Manukau were in the first division - without an escape clause.

Clifford said it was a vital test case for small unions, who need contract security to get some reward for developing players.

"We're not at emotional war with Canterbury or Casey. We'll fight it with cold-blooded objectivity.

"Canterbury must feel possession is nine-tenths of the law ... They can walk over a smaller union like us once more. It's the system, the five-province power, at work again.

"Casey is saying thanks very much, you were the best thing available but a better offer came along.

"This is not about money, it's about principle."

Counties Manukau estimate they spent $20,000 on Laulala in their academy, which includes a strong tertiary education link and pays tuition fees.

The Steelers' 2001 coach, Andrew Talaimanu, was upset at Canterbury for approaching Laulala mid-season.

Then Canterbury boss Steve Tew - now an NZRFU bigwig - retorted there was never a perfect time.

Laulala's agent believes the academy contract is not sound, and Canterbury might argue that to deny higher opportunities is an unfair restraint.

But Clifford said: "It takes a lot of effort to get the academy sponsorship."