National Rugby League stars "have pushed for the implementation of a transfer window as part of a sweeping review of the salary cap -- and officials have revealed they will consider introducing one as early as next season," according to Glenn Jackson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
After consultation with the players as part of the biggest review of the salary cap in NRL history, officials "are eyeing off the prospect of a window around round six." NRL COO Jim Doyle said,
''It's one thing we're looking at. It's been raised by the players as a good option. The feedback we've had is that from their perspective, after round six, most teams are settled in regards to how they want to play the game with their rosters" (SMH, 10/31). The AAP's Ian McCullough reported the NRL "is preparing to roll out a new-look salary cap by the start of the 2015 season having nearly completed an exhaustive look at ways to improve the current system." Marquee players allowances "are high on the agenda," with the current figure of A$600,000 ($569,000) for each club and "how it's used under scrutiny." Veteran player allowances, which currently involve a A$200,000 cap discount for players with eight consecutive years' service with one club, "are also being examined."
Discussions "have taken place about potentially reducing the number of years served for a player to qualify and spreading it out to more than one player" (AAP, 10/31).
