The cost of last year’s coaching saga has taken its toll as The Daily Telegraph reports the Panthers Group lost close to $6 million in 2018.Journalist Phil Rothfield is reporting the powerful Panthers Group took a big financial hit when they were forced to pay out sacked coach Anthony Griffin before hiring new coach Ivan Cleary for $1 million per season.The NRL grants all clubs $13 million per season, but the Telegraph is reporting the Panthers needed a handout of $5.9 million from the Panthers’ licensed club to break even in 2018.Rothfield reports the Panthers’ football club costs are higher than their NRL rivals.
“I’ve had a look at their efforts off the field and they’re in a bit of financial trouble. They lost $6 million last year. That’s after giving $6 million to the football club. They’ve got the highest salaries in the game, their CEO and general manager, they’re paying for Anthony Griffin, and I’m of a very firm opinion they were playing much better football under Griffin last year,” Rothfield said on Fox League’s Controversy Corner on Sunday night.
