NRL expected to revisit salary cap exemptions in bid to attract more rugby union code switches

In a bid to convince more players to follow the lead of Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon and cross the rugby divide, the NRL is expected to revisit salary cap exemptions for rugby union stars.

The NRL is expected to revisit salary cap exemptions for rugby union stars as they look to convince more players to follow the lead of Mark Nawaqanitawase and Carter Gordon and cross the rugby divide.

Nawaqanitawase and Gordon are poised to join the Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast this season, the pair granted releases by Rugby Australia this week after they made it clear that their futures lay in the NRL.

Gordon is free to begin training with the Titans with immediate effect while Nawaqanitawase will become a Roosters player once his commitments with the Australian sevens side are over at the Paris Olympics.

They won’t be the last rugby stars to switch codes if the NRL has their way after chief executive Andrew Abdo made it clear the game was keen to grow its playing numbers as it prepares for expansion over the next decade.

It means NRL clubs may be given extra incentive to target rugby union players as the ARL Commission prepares to revisit the concept of cap exemptions to help the code during a period when its playing stocks will be under unprecedented stress.

The addition of an 18th team to the premiership in 2027 - most likely in Perth - would mean the need for an extra 30 players. A 19th team, potentially based in PNG, could be added in 2028 meaning another 30 players will need to be found.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is Roosters bound after the Paris Olympics. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

The 20th team looks destined for the south island of New Zealand. Again, it will require at least another 30 players. It is understood the NRL feels no need to rush cap exemptions given rugby union players are joining the premiership at the moment without incentives.

Rugby league is also flourishing at junior levels as they reach record numbers of participants thanks to development clubs like Penrith, Parramatta and Canberra, who continue to churn out quality players and help flesh out the talent pool.

Yet there is a sense that rugby union is vulnerable and there may not be a better time to strike as the rival code’s financial constraints coincide with a time when rugby league is flourishing.

“With rugby league booming, we want the very best male and female athletes playing the game,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“While we’re very focused on our own elite pathways development, naturally we want to see great athletes transition from other sports and test themselves in the NRL and NRLW.

“NRL clubs are offering world class facilities and elite athlete development to anyone who dreams of playing top flight rugby league.

Andrew Abdo made it clear the game was keen to grow its playing numbers as it prepares for expansion over the next decade.Picture: Justin Lloyd

“Alongside a growing international calendar and potential expansion, the opportunity to attract new fans and players to the code has never been greater.”

The Roosters insist that while Nawaqanitawase has taken the final spot in their top squad, he won’t be rushed into action and they are willing to be patient with his development as a rugby league player.

The 23-year-old last played rugby league as a teenager and there is an acknowledgment that it will take time for him to reacquaint himself with the nuances of the 13-man game.

“While Mark will be taking the final spot in our roster for 2024, our focus won’t be on rushing him into the NRL but about fast-tracking his transition into rugby league,” Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.

“We’re really pleased to be in a position to have Mark join us once his commitments in Paris are over.

“We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Mark to the Roosters next month and we wish him all the very best in his representative duties at the Olympics. Bonne chance.”