National Rugby League side Newcastle Knights Members Club Chair Nick Dan has appealed to Hunter Sports Group officials to prove they are "men of their word’" and hand back the franchise without further delay, according to Robert Dillon of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The "gloves are officially off in the battle for control of the Knights," after Dan declared on Sunday the members club was preparing to take ‘‘whatever steps are necessary’’ to end the reign of embattled Owner Nathan Tinkler. Dan said, "I’d like to expect that they [HSG] will be men of their word and commitment and they will honor their obligations" (SMH, 5/18). In Sydney, Brent Read wrote the players union "has waded into the spat" between Tinkler and Newcastle members, holding talks with the NRL "to ensure Knights players are paid and safeguards are put in place to protect future payments." The Rugby League Players Association "moved to protect its members as the imbroglio at Newcastle threatened to dramatically escalate." Lawyers representing the Knights members will write to Tinkler’s legal team on Monday "requesting the club be transferred back into the hands of supporters." Legal action "is likely to follow, placing more pressure on a club that is already battling both on and off the field" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 5/19).
