From news.com.au   22 March 2001




Trindall wins court case


LONDON: St Helens has been ordered to pay Australian halfback Darrell Trindall £45,000 ($122,866) in an out-of-court settlement today after sacking him last season. 


The former South Sydney and Canterbury Bulldogs player successfully sued the Super League champions for damages after being sacked two months into a two-year contract.


The case was due to be heard in Liverpool High Court today.


St Helens will also have to pay Trindall's costs and tax, which could force the final costs up to £100,000 ($273,037).


Saints cancelled the contract last April after two games, claiming Trindall, 28, had a shoulder injury when he signed for them.


Trindall said the payout vindicated his decision to take the club to court.


"I was shocked and horrified when I was called into St Helens' office last April to be told by Eric Hughes that my contract was to be rescinded," he said.


"Mr Hughes then handed me my air tickets and told me to pack my bags, hand in the keys to my house and car and catch the next flight back to Australia.


"St Helens have not paid any of my wages since mid-April 2000 and the financial settlement reached will now enable me to get on with my life and rebuild my career with Canterbury Bulldogs."