Australian Schoolboys captain Karl Oloapu has doubled down amid his bitter dispute with the Broncos, defiantly declaring “I will never play for Brisbane as long as I live”.
Wide World of Sports revealed this week that Oloapu, rated the hottest teenage player in the country, wants out of his three-year deal with the Broncos.
At that stage, there was some hope of a resolution, but developments over the last few days have only increased Oloapu’s determination.
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The Broncos issued a press release in response to the WWOS story, with Brisbane head of recruitment Simon Scanlan, the man who signed the youngster last January, declaring: “Both the NRL and RLPA have reviewed the situation at the request of the player agent and no wrongdoing by the club was found”.
That statement has been shot down by Oloapu and his manager, Matt Adamson.
“The NRL has told us it has made no decision yet, so we have no idea how the Broncos can say that,” Adamson said.
WWOS contacted NRL salary cap auditor Matthew Faulkner.
“We are still looking into the matter; no final determination has been made,” the NRL said.
Oloapu also claims he was promised a place in the Broncos’ 30-man squad for next season, but when the squad was announced this week his name was not on it.
“I just want a release and a chance to play football,” Oloapu said.
“I can promise you one thing: I will never play for Brisbane as long as I live.
“They have broken promises to me and left me broken-hearted.”
It’s been a tough week for the youngster since the story broke. He has had his supporters but also plenty of critics on social media.
“It’s been a bit of a shock, so much so that I have deleted my accounts. Some hurtful stuff was said,” Oloapu explained.
The Broncos are sticking to their guns, claiming they have done nothing wrong, leaving the matter at an ugly stalemate.
“The club has been working with Karl’s new management in recent months regarding this matter,” chief executive Dave Donaghy said.
“Karl earlier this year signed a three-year contract with the Broncos and the club will not be releasing Karl from this contract.”
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