National Rugby League Head of Football Brian Canavan "outlined his vision for the future," as the game "took its most significant step" toward ending a period of stasis by "resolving some of the mystery" surrounding the '18 season, according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. Canavan has completed a review of the game’s structures and it is understood his presentation "echoed much of the previous work" conducted by former Head of Strategy Shane Richardson, who had proposed top-tier squads of 30 players, along with six rookies who "would enter the game on a set wage" of roughly A$60,000 ($45,885). Most conjecture seems to center on "how many teenagers will be eligible for contracts outside the rookie deals." The headway comes after a period of stagnation that has "frustrated many within the game." Talks between the NRL and clubs over perpetual licensing agreements have "progressed at glacial pace," although it is understood those discussions also formed part of Tuesday’s commission talks. The next few weeks "shape as decisive" ahead of a meeting on Nov. 23 between the commission and club chairs (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/2).
