Vagana plays the waiting game

KIWIS legend Nigel Vagana faces life on the rugby league scrapheap due to a clause in his contract.

The 33-year-old, who has only made six first-grade appearances this season, was dropped from South Sydneys NRL side after round 12.

He made his return to football for feeder side – the North Sydney Bears – against the Auckland Vulcans at Mt Smart Stadium No 2 yesterday but is unsure of when or if he will play in the NRL again.

Sunday News can reveal a clause in Vaganas contract means he has to play at least three more first-grade games this season to extend his deal with the club beyond 2008.

“The club and I have been dealing with some off-field contract issues, said Vagana.

“Im still trying to work through that with the club and sort that stuff out.

“Hopefully thats sorted soon and I can start focusing on footy again.

Former Knight Kirk Reynoldson made headlines last year when he was kept out of his clubs first-grade side due to a similar clause in his contract.

He has since moved to the Dragons but Vagana is not interested in speculating about whether the Rabbitohs are trying to muscle him out.

"Ive need to play three more games for another year to kick in, he said.

"At the end of the day, you might want to ask the club about that because Im not sure where they see me yet.

"I dont know whether the club is trying to keep me out of the side so that clause cant be activated.

"Im back playing now and if thats the case and it doesnt work out, I guess I need to start thinking about what I want to do next year.

While some of his Rabbitohs team-mates have taken being dropped hard, Vagana is just happy to be back playing footy.

"It wasnt really a massive deal for me to be back playing reserve grade, he said.

"The club gave me the option about whether I wanted to play and I didnt want to disrespect the guys.

"I didnt want to give the impression that I felt I was too cool to play at this level.

"Im not really frustrated with whats been going on off the field. At the end of the day, Im 33 years old. If I was 23 maybe I would have an issue with it.

"I know Ive still got plenty of league in me and maybe this rest is a blessing in disguise.

"Ive got the World Cup to think about at the end of the year so maybe its freshened me up for that.

"I know what Im capable of but now it just comes back to the club and coaching staff about where I go from here.

- © Fairfax NZ News