RUMBALARA president Paul Briggs says he has no qualms about heading to the tribunal in a bid to secure Damian Cupido for this season.
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Despite re-signing with Henty in August, Rumbalara lodged a clearance for Cupido late on Monday evening.
Cupido previously coached Rumbalara in 2014-15 and led the club to its maiden flag in the Murray league in his first year in charge.
Briggs said he had numerous conversations with Henty coach Joel Price about the prospect of Cupido returning to Rumbalara.
"Henty are obviously keen to hang on to Damian," Briggs said.
"So we will just put it to the tribunal and let them resolve the issue.
"Damian obviously has close ties to our club after coaching us to our first flag in 2014.
"We can see why Henty would be reluctant to lose him.
"But the extenuating circumstances around his partner having their first child takes priority over football.
"At the end of the day it's country football and that's exactly what it is.
"I'm getting $650 less a match at Rumbalara, so it's not a money decision at all, it's quite the opposite.
- Damian Cupido
"As much as Henty want to keep him there he needs to be home with his partner and new baby."
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Cupido has lodged his initial clearance to join Rumbalara.
The contract dispute is referred to the tribunal after three clearances have been rejected.
Cupido said employment opportunities in Shepparton was the main reason behind him wanting to switch clubs.
"I want to make it clear that Rumbalara contacted me and not the other way around," Cupido said.
"The carrot Rumbalara are dangling is employment in Shepparton and not the dollars per game.
"I'm getting $650 less a match at Rumbalara, so it's not a money decision at all, it's quite the opposite.
"People can make up their own minds about myself but I don't want to hide from the truth."
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