NRL clubs can reap much greater rewards by targeting talent in other codes.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the topic of offering discounts to clubs signing new players from rival codes would be on the agenda at next March’s “Strategy Day” meeting.
As the Sydney Morning Herald reported, the issue was discussed at the ARL Council’s final 2023 meeting this week, with the possibility of an 18th team entering the competition as early as 2026.
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Of course, extensions further thin the depth of talent, so clubs would benefit from loosening the cap to explore external codes to sign players.
The new policy means the Sydney Roosters will receive around $900,000 worth of salary compensation for signing Wallabies winger Mark Nawakanitawase to a two-year deal from 2025. If he gets to Bondi before anything changes.
Another name on the radar of clubs, including the Roosters, is rising rugby star Max Jorgensen. He ends his contract with the NSW Waratahs at the end of 2024.
“The discount was not scheduled to apply in 2024, but there is still demand for it,” V’landys told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We will discuss it in detail next March. Although this was raised at a board meeting a few years ago, I would like to emphasize that this was in no way aimed at Australian rugby.
“The idea was to offer clubs a discount when signing top players from other codes that would add another dimension to rugby league.
“Mark Nawaqanitawase doesn’t start in the NRL until 2025 so if a decision is made by then the Roosters could still qualify (under the dispensation).”
Meanwhile, if Joseph Suaalii seeks to return to the NRL after signing a three-year contract with Rugby Australia, there will be no concessions made and any potential policy adjustments will only apply to new players.
“But that won’t happen. The discount only applies to new players,” V’landys added.
“If we allow that to happen, it will only encourage players to join rugby knowing they can return to the club at a reduced price. “That has already been ruled out.”
Buoyed by the Dolphins’ successful entry into the NRL this year, V’landys confirmed the committee was “definitely” looking at further expansion as they discussed where the new team would be based and when they would join.
Papua New Guinea will be named the 18th NRL side in the box after receiving support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to improve international relations.
A fourth club in south-east Queensland or even Perth are other venues that have sparked public interest in a new NRL licence.
“All I can say about expansion is we’re definitely looking at it,” V’landys said.
“All efforts will be completed in the next three months and we will have a much clearer picture after that.”
