You guys are all correct - it is his team and he can do what he likes.
I would like all of you then to think twice when you complain about the NZ quota at the Phoenix if this guy does not pan out and 'signing Aussie kids that are poor over Kiwi kids' ala Shermy, Caira, Galloway, Parkhouse, Downey..... I'll even throw in Italiano because for 5 years that he was getting splinters, he was shown to be quite poor when he got his shot. It may not have worked out better for a Kiwi but at least the by-product MAY have been increased competition at an AW level
Burgess could well be a better signing - but to what degree? One would suggest the gulf between Burgess and de Jong (based only on what I have read and also comparable NPL form) is fudge all. I know who would infinitely benefit more from the professional contract AND as a by-product also be developed for the AWs
I think I have made my point.