Some of rugby league's "most influential player managers are lawyering up in a bid to fight attempts to introduce stricter controls" on the way they operate, according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Agents will "come under the umbrella" of the National Rugby League and the Rugby League Players Association in a "new scheme" that will be introduced from Nov. 1. Under the new system, "it has been proposed that agents can only contract players to them for two years at a time," giving players a greater opportunity to sever ties if they are not "happy with their management firm." Another proposed change "is for managers to be prevented from signing players until they turn 17." Both moves "are attempts to protect the players, particularly young teens who are promised the world despite not having a realistic opportunity" to play in the NRL. Some of "the most powerful managers have banded together in a bid to block the reforms," engaging a lawyer to fight the governing bodies. It looms as a "heavyweight showdown," as some of the "six-and-a-half-percenters" prepare for a "stoush to control the majority of NRL talent." RLPA CEO Ian Prendergast said, "From our point of view, we have a commitment under the new CBA to review the current Agent Accreditation Scheme and introduce a new scheme." Asked about "the prospect of a legal stoush," Prendergast said, "We haven't heard of any legal action. We understand the agents may have some concerns. Our approach is we're prepared to listen and deal with those concerns on a case-by-case basis to ensure a fair system is introduced that works for players, agents and the game itself" (SMH, 7/17).
