The National Rugby League "won its battle to more thoroughly regulate player managers under a new accreditation scheme" after agents chose not to proceed with their threat to seek a Supreme Court injunction to prevent its introduction, according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. About 110 accredited agents have until Friday to commit to the new protocols "or be refused the right to represent players or negotiate with clubs." Some of the game’s most powerful "six-and-a-half percenters" had assembled a "fighting fund" with a view to proceeding with legal action. However, there was "not enough support for that action among the group, effectively extinguishing the opposition to the NRL’s bid to make managers more accountable." The governing body had "already placated many of the more vocal objectors during a period of consultation." One of the biggest concerns was that the NRL would reopen the Parramatta and Manly salary cap cases and "potentially punish agents for their roles in them." However, Rugby League Central will not be revisiting either matter and wrote to inform a handful of concerned agents that "they would not be pursued over their alleged involvement." The new scheme "puts the onus on managers to properly service players" by giving the latter "an out" if they are not happy with their representation. While there is no time limit on management agreements, "players can seek a release any time after two years," so long as three months' notice is given (SMH, 12/8).
