http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27541888-5018866,00.html
Cullen said the Broncos had around 20 deals ranging from $1,000 to over $25,000.
"It's probably the easiest way to do it rather than annoy your sponsors for more money," he told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday.
"Ifthe (player) manager comes to us and says player 'X' is looking for alittle bit more and is happy to do some promotional work ... we couldcertainly provide a list of 'why don't you contact these people'.
"Alternatively,and this is where the majority come from, we actually get these peoplecontact us and say 'we want to be involved and we want to help one ofthe players, who do you suggest?'"
Western Sydney battlersPenrith recently took the step in their matchday newsletter of callingfor local businesses to come forward and sponsor players as they triedto stitch up deals for Michael Jennings, since completed, and FrankPritchard.
"I'd love to have a list like that, I might ask him if there's any left over," Panthers chief executive Mick Leary said.
"We're in the outer west and it's been very difficult to get third party agreements but we're doing our best.
"It's a reminder that we've all got to get out and work harder."
Canberra have just one third party arrangement and Raiders boss DonFurner said operating in a government sector town made it difficult.
"I wish I had that is all I can say," he said.
"Without a doubt they've got a lot of advantages.
"But you've got to look at both sides of it - why should they be held back?"
Thirdparty money from sources other than club sponsors is unlimited in the
NRL, while sponsors will be able to pay $300,000 through the marquee
player allowance in 2011.
NRL boss David Gallop said there were over $3 million in third party deals across the league.
"Having 20 would not be unusual," he said.
Basically as long as the third party business paying for the service of the player is a non club sponsor, there is no restriction on how much you can pay your players. As most of our players have come through as Parramatta juniors, why not have them on less money but loads of third party agreements. By doing this we can sign better players. This year let's work on Grothe and Horo. Anyone know any businesses that need promoting and would like Grothe and Horo to endorse them? Music related stuff would be great for Grothe.
If we can gather together a whole load of businesses interested, we'll probably be able to sign both Grothe and Horo for under $100k topped up with 7 or 8 small 3rd party agreements worth $10000 - $15000 each. Next year we'll be able to make some pretty decent signings by doing this. All the other clubs will be catching on to this and Penrith is already doing so, so let's do this.
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