Ronald Volkman hopes no player in the competition endures the botched handling seen in his transfer saga, after the NRL issued the Dragons with a breach notice.
Volkman signed a deal to join the Dragons at the end of last season but barely set foot in the door before having it torn up over a failed medical.
The NRL alleges that the Dragons were in breach of NRL rules in the way the club handled that situation, proposing a $40,000 fine, which will be wholly suspended for 24 months.
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“When it comes to the contract stuff, I thought I had signed and you think you are secure for the year,” Volkman told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“For it to go like that and just get brushed under the carpet for the first few months … it’s a long process.
“It’s all done, but it was definitely hard physically, mentally, financially.”
Volkman started his career at the Warriors, playing five matches in 2022 and 2023.
He was granted a release at the end of last year with the Dragons announcing his signing before the medical was finalised.
Volkman required shoulder surgery, which the Warriors agreed to pay for.
The Dragons reached a confidential settlement with Volkman after the fiasco surrounding his signing.
Volkman said he holds no grudges with the club.
“Obviously with what happened, you don’t want anyone to go through that,” he continued.
“They have come forward as you can see from their statements and to be honest I’m just glad everything is done at the moment.”
The Dragons immediately released a statement and accepted the fine after the breach notice was announced, vowing they will learn from their mistake.
“The Dragons acknowledge receipt of a breach notice issued today by the NRL concerning Ronald Volkman earlier this year,” the club said.
“The notice proposes a suspended fine which the club will accept.
“The NRL acknowledged the cooperation of the Dragons with the investigation of the NRL Integrity Unit.
“In navigating this complex situation, the club worked closely with all parties involved to reach a resolution and is committed to ensuring compliance moving forward.”
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Volkman remains unsure of where his future in the competition lays.
“I’m looking at all the options on the table, it’s still in the air with club talks,” said Volkman.
“I should get clarity about where I’m going around grand final time, hopefully.
“Wherever I go, whichever club gives me that opportunity, I won’t take it for granted. I’m going to make the most of it.”
