What’s the Buzz: Rugby League Players Association calls for salary cap increase for Perth and PNG

There is a push for the Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea to be granted salary cap advantages to ensure the expansion NRL clubs are competitive as soon as they enter the league, reveals PHIL ROTHFIELD.

RLPA boss Clint Newton has thrown a grenade at the NRL’s expansion plans by calling for Perth and PNG to be granted salary cap increases to ensure their early success.

In comments that will cause a ruckus amongst the existing 17 clubs, Newton says the NRL needs to provide extra support that will include amendments to the current collective bargaining agreement.

“Perth and PNG face unique challenges that established clubs don’t have,” Newton said.

“We should consider a temporary increase to the salary cap.

“They are two clubs outside the heartlands of large rugby league nurseries and need to be as successful as possible to ensure expansion is a success.

“A key area requiring immediate attention is the salary cap model, which is critical to an expansion club’s successful transition.

“The players they recruit will make or break these two new clubs. This isn’t the Dolphins in a strong rugby league area.”

An NRL leg-up: Mal Meninga needs a bigger salary cap to put his Perth roster together. Credit: NRL Images.

Newton would not put a figure on a cap increase for the new franchises.

He says that should be a decision for a recently established salary cap committee that includes the NRL, representatives from clubs, coaches, agents and the RLPA.

“Every key stakeholder and decision maker in the game should be aligned in wanting these two new clubs to succeed, which means setting aside any self-interest,” Newton said.

“These two clubs represent a significant opportunity for the game in expanding talent pathways, unlocking new revenue streams, and engaging new fan bases.

“We cannot let them have the slightest chance of failure, we need to lift them up together and disregard any concerns of existing clubs feeling hard done by.”

Rugby League Players Association CEO Clint Newton (left). Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Outside of the salary cap, Newton said there should be other transitional benefits for the new clubs that include relocation support and family travel allowances.

“We already had one shot at Perth (with the now defunct Western Reds) and we don’t want the second to end the same way,” he said.

“We risk history repeating itself with rushed decisions, short-term fixes and wasted resources.

“Instead of buying the silence of clubs the ARLC should be working collaboratively and bringing clubs together to help solve the challenges.”

He says it is crucial to have all 17 clubs support the expansion teams.

However, the clubs are already nervous about the drain on playing talent and the prospect of losing stars to the new clubs.

“The success of Perth and PNG will have flow on effects to existing clubs,” he said.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Rugby League Players Association calls for salary cap increase for Perth and PNG