The NRL is set to take a firm stance on contract poaching, threatening salary-cap penalties for clubs publicly courting contracted stars before they become free agents. This move aims to shake up the game's anti-tampering laws, which have been under scrutiny due to recent contract dramas.
The new rule will ban clubs and their officials from commenting on pursuing players not yet on the market, a significant change from the current regulations. This comes after a year of contract drama, notably Lachlan Galvin's mid-season move from Wests Tigers to Canterbury with 17 months left on his original contract.
Under the current NRL rules, players and their agents are not allowed to negotiate with rival clubs until the final season of their contract starts on November 1 each year. However, it has become apparent that clubs have sometimes moved to signal their interest in players via the media well before this date.
This practice can influence players to not re-sign with their current clubs early, knowing interest from several parties could trigger a bidding war. Beyond the threat of salary cap sanctions, the NRL will also be able to fine or even deregister club officials who flaunt the new rules.
Canterbury general manager Phil Gould was accused of using his media position to publicly court Galvin, despite the Tigers' permission to look elsewhere. Gould's comments raised eyebrows, prompting a push for tougher rules, which are now expected to come into effect this summer.
The changes to the rules have been undertaken in conjunction with the NRL and players' union, as part of a commitment to review anti-tampering laws in the last collective bargaining agreement.
The Galvin situation is just one example of the issue. Several clubs this season made no secret of their desire to land Payne Haas for 2027, despite him only becoming a free agent last weekend. Under the new rules, this would no longer be permitted.
While the game's other anti-tampering rules will continue to apply, the NRL is taking a bold step to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the sport. The question remains: will this new rule be enough to deter contract poaching, or will it spark further controversy and discussion?
