Money is not my god. But my family comes first, my bottom is the bottom line to give them the best life possible. I just want to afford the opportunities my dad gave to me, paying to play sport, school Rugby tours overseas, support through uni. Giving my wife a nice life is something I'm proud of.

If it's about cash and/or life style for Aiton then fair play to him.

Just seen this on the pies board regarding Iain Thornley signing for Hull KR. Here's a quote from Ian Lenagan - [i"Iain made the decision that money is the single most important facet of what he is looking for. He's entitled to do that. From our point of view, we're a little bit irritated at the lack of loyalty, having taken care of him so well over the last 18 months, but players have to look after themselves as well and he's made this decision."[/i

Interesting to see how the two clubs have handled similar situations in the press.

Like GH says in the piece, Leeds have been aware of this for some time as he rejected the 3 year deal a while ago.

I'm sure Gawwy has something lined up, our improvement this season, has most definitely been aided by a solid, no frills specialist hooker.

Thornley is slightly different I suppose, in that he's on the fringes at Wigan and if everyone's fit doesn't get into their 17. He's not walking away from a club where he's first choice.

Also didn't Thornley go to Union then back to Wigan when it didn't work out?

I still don't agree with that kind of statement though, I don't think it's necessary for it to be public. You can't cajole players into "loyalty".

Does anyone know 100% that Aiton is getting paid more by Catalans? A 3 year deal for a 30 year old in the south of france is not something to be sniffed at.

Aiton certainly has been very good for us this season and a big improvement from last year. How much of this is down to the players around him playing well, notably Cuthbertson , and how much his improvement is due to the coaching I am not sure although both I think are equal factors. So we need his replacement to be able to fit in to the way we are now playing or bring a significant new skill set to get the best out of our new recruits.

Very strange, I'm sure Wigan have never tried tempting a player to sign for them by offering a higher wage than they are currently on.

I'd say Aiton's strength is that he's able to do most things a hooker should pretty well. Pass with speed, accuracy, distance if needed: tick. Tackle: tick. Wrong-foot the markers: tick. Scoot: tick. He doesn't out and out excel at any one thing but, importantly, the variety in his game's there. He shouldn't be impossible to replace but equally he will need replacing.

Why do some on here expect players to share the same loyalty to the club. The club stood by him when he had an illness why is that any different from an injury? The idea the club assisted in his drug ban issues is rubbish too. If he had been banned the club would simply have cancelled his contract.

It is easy for Sinfield to say we could all earn more money elsewhere when you are already one of the highest paid players in the league. A bit different if you are not in such a lofty financial position

Exactly. Accusing Aiton of disloyalty is akin to suggesting the club was disloyal in not offering him a six year contract.

Maybe he is just greedy ? The debate whether someone is greedy can only ever be subjective. I think he is.

Whether or not someone is a moron can also be subjective.

How do you know it isn't greed Mr "up yourself" ? My opinion is just as valid as yours, remember that when you start acting all high and mighty.

Get back to Emmerdale you dateless get.

Oh, it appears it isn't subjective after all. Carry on.

It is arrogant to assume that a player should want to play for Leeds rather than Catalans.

Why do you think he is greedy - do you know how much GH offered him or how much the Catalans offered him the differential is probably large.

I take it you would reject a large salary increase!! Thought not

Logically no but if Catalans can get Carney on the pitch regularly they will be a force plus south of France or West Yorkshire know where I would rather live

They are losing both Whitehead and Zeb Taia from the 2nd row though so that's a significant loss for them.

I understand both sides of the argument going on here, but would stick up for Aiton in that when you are 35 / 40 and retired and having to retrain in a new job / career - that extra 15k a year (or whatever it might be) for 3 years you have taken from Catalans aged 30-33 will keep your family eating and a roof over your head a lot longer than a (potential) 2 CC winners' medals and a Grand Final medal (but 45k less) would.

Doesn't mean he is greedy - it just makes sense really.

i'm self employed plant driver and , not in a nasty way, you are a mercenary. if you have a good reputation firms chase you, so you move around a lot. always leaving on good terms but for more coin. you simply weigh up the pro's and cons.
if catalan are offering mega bucks then at 31 he would be stupid to turn it down. any sane person would

Another key thing too is length of contract. Aiton said that he and Leeds couldn't come to an agreement on a deal for next year AND beyond.

It might be that Leeds only wanted to activate the 3rd year option and didn't offer any extension or maybe just 1 extra year (as they might be planning on Robbie Ward taking over eventually perhaps?).....whereas Catalans have offered him 3 years.

I think that is the point precisely.
I would doubt Leeds would be offering him a 3 year deal and no I do not know that for sure.
But even for the same money and a three year gig compared to a 1 or 2 year gig then Aiton has done the right thing.
For some people whilst it is a dream to win tropheys for others at the age Aiton is it might be about securing a decent future for his family.
It`s not as if he is moving to a championship team or Salford/Wakefield!
He still stands a reasonable chance next year of winning something.

Quote ="chapylad" I would doubt Leeds would be offering him a 3 year deal and no I do not know that for sure. '" 'Gary Hetherington said, "It is not come as a surprise because Paul rejected a new 3-year contract from us' www.therhinos.co.uk/news/27061.php#.VcOLUa0mNEY

Quote ="chapylad" I would doubt Leeds would be offering him a 3 year deal and no I do not know that for sure. '" 'Gary Hetherington said, "It is not come as a surprise because Paul rejected a new 3-year contract from us' www.therhinos.co.uk/news/27061.php#.VcOLUa0mNEY