Quote ="Once were Loiners"Not sure he deserves 'kudos for stepping aside'? Its a lot more like Smith told him he was unlikely to feature much next year, and then the club negotiated an exit deal. He was always going to return to Australia, so now he can start his post-playing life a year earlier and with a lump sum to get him started. He's likely to be better off financially in the long-term, assuming he negotiated a decent package.'"
Why not? He had a contact in place non? He didnt have to retire if he didnt / wasnt offered something. Couldve kicked his heels playing out on loan at a champ club / academy etc.
Yes he's not exactly going to be leaving without a payoff at least hes gone and gone early not disappeared back to Aus, gone off grid and dragged this out.
