NRL Considers Allowing Players To Be Free Agents As Part Of Salary Cap Review

The National Rugby League "is considering allowing players to effectively be free agents at all times as part of a widespread review of the salary cap," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Australian Rugby League Commission "has engaged all major stakeholders, including players, agents, clubs and the media for the first time, as it seeks to modernise the salary cap while retaining a level playing field." Some of the options being considered include: the NRL "centrally contracting marquee players in a system similar to cricket and rugby union;" allowing players to shift clubs at any time, "in spite of contractual ties, if clubs can agree terms;" and implementing a salary cap that includes a limit on off-field spending on resources "such as coaches or high-performance units." The NRL will not implement any of the more radical proposals for next season, "but all options are being examined to provide a system that will cater for the game's needs for decades to come" (SMH, 11/1).