Knights’ $2m post-Tinkler budget cuts

All the highs, lows and big blows from round 24 of the NRL Premiership.

The extravagances of the Nathan Tinkler era will soon be a thing of the past at the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

NEWCASTLE are in the throes of slashing as much as $2 million from their operating budget for next year following the extravagances of the Nathan Tinkler era.

But CEO Matt Gidley says Knights players won't bear the brunt of any of the cost-cutting.

EELS STUN, SHARKS DONE, UPSETS AND UPROAR

While he didn't want to speculate on an actual savings target, Gidley admitted the focus since the NRL took control of the club after Tinkler relinquished ownership has been to bring costs significantly down.

Darius Boyd has said he won't be part of Newcastle's next era. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"I'm not going to put a figure on it but we have spent the past three or four months getting the business model right and looking very closely at our budgets," Gidley said.

"There has been a real focus on getting our costs down.

"But that won't impact directly on the players. We will be spending the salary cap limit which could be as high as $6.4 million next season if the NRL agrees to roll in marquee player allowances which is a strong possibility."

It's understood Knights staff across the board have been asked to take pay cuts but the biggest single saving was made when the club didn't have to renew coach Wayne Bennett's $1 million plus contract.

There has also been a conscious effort to employ from within wherever possible with Rick Stone's coaching staff expected to include only one outsider — former Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock.

Shedding Wayne Bennett's salary from the budget will help the Knights tighten the purse strings. Pic: Peter Lorimer. Source: News Corp Australia

It's understood the NRL has entrusted Gidley will the job of reigning in the costs, that had blown out to extraordinary levels under Tinkler, to ensure the club is a viable proposition to a potential buyer down the track.

Gidley said he is currently working hard to try and secure a long-term major sponsor but admitted times were difficult in the Hunter, particularly with the downturn in the mining industry.

Meanwhile, winger Akuila Uate has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

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