Player manager Andrew Purcell says the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal is affecting NRL players from other clubs looking to safeguard their futures.

Purcell's clientele includes Parramatta winger Eric Grothe and Penrith flyer Michael Gordon, who are both off contract at the end of the year.

And he said clubs are reluctant to commit to new deals until it's known how many players Melbourne have to get off their books to get under the salary cap for next season.

The Storm are reportedly $850,000 over the cap this year and will be $1.5 million over in 2011 and Purcell said clubs are hoping to pounce on the Storm's superstars at a knock-down price.

"It's been thrown into disarray with the Melbourne Storm thing, this is usually a very busy time, but it is a funny place, almost a different world at the moment," Purcell told AAP.

"Things haven't been moving fast as they normally do in terms of recruitment and all the clubs are putting their eggs in their one basket and trying to get the chance of a lifetime to get an Inglis, Slater, Smith or a Cronk.

"It is not ideal for other players really, they want to be settled and have their futures sorted as soon as possible and this is why the NRL had put the deadline for signing players back to round 17."

The decision to push the deadline back by a week from June 30th to the end of round 17, which concludes on July 5, was designed to help clubs who are yet to finalise who they want to sign for next season.

Gordon is one player whose contract talks have stalled and although Purcell denied there had been a deadline for an agreement from both parties, they are still some way from agreeing to a deal.

"I have had a good chat to (coach) Matthew Elliott and (CEO) Mick Leary and we are in agreement that we want to get it done," Purcell said.

"We've both made our intentions clear, but it is a case of meeting in the middle and working out what is best for both parties.

"We can't control their interests but they have indicated they want Mick to stay, but nothing is finalised yet."

Purcell said an offer from Cronulla has not been tabled, but the Sharks are still interested in Gordon, despite the departures of coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Richard Fisk.

"We are not walking towards deadlines from anyone just yet, and there hasn't been an offer from Cronulla as of yet, but they have spoken to me," he said.

"I only have to worry about a few of my players like Mick this year but I know there are a lot of other managers out there who are still waiting to hear back from clubs, it is a funny time."

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