Knights' Danny Wicks walks without a cent

Newcastle Herald

CHARGED: Newcastle Knights star Danny Wicks has been arrested and charged over drugs supply offences.

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Embattled front-rower Danny Wicks did not receive ''one penny'' in severance pay after quitting the Newcastle Knights yesterday, said his manager, Steve Gillis.

Facing six counts of supply and two counts of possessing prohibited drugs, Wicks voluntarily terminated his contract with the Knights ''so the club can move forward''.

The 24-year-old former Grafton Ghosts junior, his solicitor, Mark Hanlon, and Gillis had held discussions with Knights management since Wicks was released last Thursday on $80,000 bail, including surety.

The Sydney Morning Herald has been told Wicks's decision to effectively fall on his sword was finalised about 10.30pm on Tuesday, and the Knights issued a statement from Wicks confirming that at noon yesterday. It is understood the Knights would have eventually sacked Wicks anyway, irrespective of the outcome of his court case, but by quitting he hoped to earn at least some kudos for his remorse.

''I have a very high regard for the club, its supporters and its sponsors. Importantly, the players have been put under enormous scrutiny and pressure, which they do not deserve,'' Wicks said in the statement. ''It's the right thing for me to do so the club can move forward.

''The Knights have a strict code of conduct which I have always supported and I feel obliged to disassociate myself from the club until my matter is resolved.''

Gillis said Wicks had made a ''selfless decision, for no other reason but to take some of the unfair scrutiny and suspicions off his teammates''.

Asked if Wicks received a severance payout, Gillis said: ''None whatsoever. He's been paid for November and December, which he's entitled to under the terms of the agreement and there's not one penny other than that. He's holding up OK. It was a selfless decision done for the right reasons so that the club can move forward, and we'll sort out the next stage of his sporting career at the appropriate time.''

Asked if he was still representing Wicks, Gillis said: ''Most assuredly.''

When he agreed to join the Knights from St George Illawarra at the start of 2008, Wicks signed a three-year contract reportedly worth between $200,000 and $220,000 a season. He negotiated a new deal with the Knights in September, agreeing to a pay cut in 2010 for a one-year extension to include 2011, but those terms were never disclosed nor reported.

Knights chief executive Steve Burraston was unavailable to answer questions yesterday but said in a statement that Wicks's decision was in the best interests of himself and his now former club.

''We support Danny's decision and understand that this is in the best interests of all involved,'' Burraston said. ''Danny has many challenges ahead and we understand the reasons behind his decision.''

Knights strategic development manager Keith Onslow said Wicks's departure was unlikely to create enough salary cap room to allow them to sign a replacement player for next season, but he would discuss that possibility with coach Rick Stone after the club's Christmas break.

''Look, I think we'll just have a breather, regroup over the next few weeks and have a look at it in the new year,'' Onslow said.

Wicks was arrested and charged last Wednesday on four counts of supplying amphetamines, two counts of supplying ecstasy, and separate counts of possessing amphetamines and cocaine. Hanlon said Wicks would defend all charges.

Meanwhile, Burraston distanced the club from a newspaper report yesterday that indicated another Knights player was under police investigation for allegedly being involved in a drug ring with links to Newcastle, Grafton and the Gladiators motorcycle gang. ''We don't act on rumours and innuendo,'' Burraston said.

- © Fairfax NZ News