NRL CEO Dave Smith Opens Door To Junior Development Concessions For Raiders

National Rugby League CEO David Smith "has given the best indication yet" that junior development concessions will be introduced, admitting the issue ''has been a loose end'' he wants to address by the end of the year, according to Jon Tuxworth of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers in particular "have stepped up pressure on the NRL to implement a system that rewards clubs for the money they spend on development." Smith said that "he wants to introduce a fairer system, which allows development clubs to be competitive." Smith said: "We've looked at the salary cap and the club funding model; what we haven't looked at is player development and how we treat that to recognize clubs like Canberra Raiders." Smith said that "he would analyse a number of different options," but it is too early to reveal details. Smith: "It's a combination of salary cap concessions and recognizing there are additional funding needs for areas like the Raiders" (SMH, 6/10).