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Storm boy Inglis hits jackpot
By Dean Ritchie
October 24, 2006 12:00
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AUSTRALIAN rugby league's latest sensation, Greg Inglis, will today sign a massive $2 million contract to stay with the Melbourne Storm - the richest deal ever signed by a teenager.
Inglis, just 19, has had the next three seasons of his contract significantly upgraded and will then sign for a fourth year, 2010.
And in more big news for the star kid, Inglis has four apparel companies chasing him – Reebok, Adidas, Nike and Asics.
Inglis' extraordinary contract comes just days after his stunning Test match performance for Australia against New Zealand in Melbourne.
He scored two tries to establish himself as one of the game's elite players, albeit one who is just a year out of high school.
"There won't be much change out of $2 million," Inglis' manager Allan Gainey told The Daily Telegraph last night.
"It will be the biggest contract a 19-year-old has ever signed. He will only be 23 when this is done. Pretty scary."
Gainey and Storm management have been negotiating the deal for the past seven weeks.
Inglis will also receive up to $50,000 in third-party sponsorships.
"I am meeting with Greg (today) to discuss Melbourne's final proposal," Gainey said.
"We have virtually agreed to what's there.
"We have gone backwards and forwards on this but in the end the contract will be a very tidy sum of money. His gross contract has gone up every year accordingly."
Inglis is ready to become one of the game's most marketable commodities – a name to stand alongside Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams.
The new deal will bring to an end the ARU's interest in the Storm centre/fullback.
"I don't want to go to rugby union at the moment," Inglis said. "I love league. That is where my heart and soul are."
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron was excited at the prospect of announcing Inglis as a long-term Storm player.
"We've reviewed Greg's contract and his value has increased," Waldron said.
"There's no doubt Greg is not only important to Melbourne but he is also important to rugby league.
"He is the face of many things that make our game great. His athleticism, and the fact he is indigenous, are all great for the game.
"Greg is a role model for kids."
Asked how good Inglis could be, Waldron said: "He has the potential to be as good as anyone in the game but potential is an awful word."
Inglis said he was desperately attempting to play down the hype around him.
"It's something you have to learn how to control and just keep your feet on the ground," he said.
By Dean Ritchie
October 24, 2006 12:00
Article from:
Font size:
+
-
Send this article:
AUSTRALIAN rugby league's latest sensation, Greg Inglis, will today sign a massive $2 million contract to stay with the Melbourne Storm - the richest deal ever signed by a teenager.
Inglis, just 19, has had the next three seasons of his contract significantly upgraded and will then sign for a fourth year, 2010.
And in more big news for the star kid, Inglis has four apparel companies chasing him – Reebok, Adidas, Nike and Asics.
Inglis' extraordinary contract comes just days after his stunning Test match performance for Australia against New Zealand in Melbourne.
He scored two tries to establish himself as one of the game's elite players, albeit one who is just a year out of high school.
"There won't be much change out of $2 million," Inglis' manager Allan Gainey told The Daily Telegraph last night.
"It will be the biggest contract a 19-year-old has ever signed. He will only be 23 when this is done. Pretty scary."
Gainey and Storm management have been negotiating the deal for the past seven weeks.
Inglis will also receive up to $50,000 in third-party sponsorships.
"I am meeting with Greg (today) to discuss Melbourne's final proposal," Gainey said.
"We have virtually agreed to what's there.
"We have gone backwards and forwards on this but in the end the contract will be a very tidy sum of money. His gross contract has gone up every year accordingly."
Inglis is ready to become one of the game's most marketable commodities – a name to stand alongside Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams.
The new deal will bring to an end the ARU's interest in the Storm centre/fullback.
"I don't want to go to rugby union at the moment," Inglis said. "I love league. That is where my heart and soul are."
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron was excited at the prospect of announcing Inglis as a long-term Storm player.
"We've reviewed Greg's contract and his value has increased," Waldron said.
"There's no doubt Greg is not only important to Melbourne but he is also important to rugby league.
"He is the face of many things that make our game great. His athleticism, and the fact he is indigenous, are all great for the game.
"Greg is a role model for kids."
Asked how good Inglis could be, Waldron said: "He has the potential to be as good as anyone in the game but potential is an awful word."
Inglis said he was desperately attempting to play down the hype around him.
"It's something you have to learn how to control and just keep your feet on the ground," he said.

