NRL train-and-trial contracts: Players looking to keep careers alive for every club
Ash Taylor is just one of a number of players sweating it out this summer in a bid to prolong their NRL careers - but he has more to lose than most.
NRL
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Former State of Origin stars, ex-million-dollar players and NRL hopefuls headline a list of players who have just weeks to prove themselves as first graders.
The likes of Ash Taylor, Tyrone Roberts, Edrick Lee, Chris Smith and Zac Cini are among those who have been given a train-and-trial contract across the NRL.
Each player will earn just $1000 a week – well short of Taylor’s million-dollar contract with the Titans — before the club decides if they will be given a top 30 spot heading into next season.
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Roberts, 30, will start with the Broncos on Monday alongside ex-Bulldog Smith and Manly prop Zac Saddler.
The former Titans skipper said he needed time away from the game to get his body right. He recovered from back and Achilles surgery this year before returning to help Norths win a Queensland Cup premiership having last played first grade in July last year.
“I asked around the NRL and the Broncos were the only ones to give me an opportunity,” Roberts said.
“I had to take a train-and-trial to make sure my body gets through the whole pre-season. I’ve got the experience under my belt. Everyone said I was finished. I was never finished, I was just waiting for my opportunity.”
Roberts once combined with Taylor at the Titans and they are again on a similar path. Taylor has been given a train and trial deal with the Warriors but will be given a one-year deal should he get through summer.
Roberts has 15 weeks to prove his worth.
“I’ve spoken with Ash,” Roberts said. “He is in a good space and in a new environment. As long as he stays on top of his weight he will be fine.
“I don’t want to waste my opportunity. If I don’t make the top 30 I’ll go back to Norths and hopefully get the call-up.”
Albert Kelly resurrected his career in a similar way last year at the Broncos.
Ex-NSW centre James Roberts is expected to re-join the Tigers on a similar deal while Lee, who played Origin last year, is on a train and trial contract until he receives medical clearance to return to the field at the Knights.
Wests Tigers fan favourite Cini has joined the Sharks alongside Jackson Ferris while the Dragons have given Francis Molo’s brother Michael a crack.
Jack A Williams, Reg Gasnier‘s grandson, is also at the Dragons while ex-Rabbitoh Steven Marsters is getting a shot at Canterbury.
The Rabbitohs have Latrell Mitchell’s brother Shaq in their summer squad as well as promising youngster Tallis Duncan. South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly said Mitchell, a prop, could push for an NRL spot.
“Shaq has been in our Knock On Effect Cup squad the past two season and impressed the coaches, thoroughly earning a full-time pre-season opportunity,” Solly said. “We hope that he, along with all the players who get an opportunity like this, grab it with both hands and make a real contribution to the success of our NSWRL and NRL squads.”
The Titans are banking on some famous bloodlines with Klese Haas (Payne’s brother), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Tino’s brother) and Braden Robson (Reece’s brother) joining the summer squad. The Roosters have given 27-year-old journeyman outside back Eli Roberts a chance while speedster Su’a Fa’Alogo and forward Alec McDonald will train with Melbourne.
Fiji rugby stars Iosefo Masikau and Taniela Sadrugu have joined the Cowboys. The likes of the Raiders, Eels, Penrith and Manly have no players with first grade experience pushing for a spot.
HOW A TRAIN-AND-TRIAL CONTRACT WORKS
■ Clubs can have unlimited players
■ Players are paid $1000 a week outside the salary cap
■ They can last an unlimited amount of time but generally run up until the Christmas break and then are re-evaluated
■ Players cannot earn more than $60,000, which is what a development player earns
■ Players must be promoted into a top 30 or development spot before they can play first grade
Jack A Williams (St George Illawarra)
Age: 24
Position: Hooker
Yet to debut
Grandson of St George Illawarra Immortal Reg Gasnier. The Sharks local is pushing to be Andrew McCullough’s back-up. Played plenty of reserve grade, captaining Newtown.
Zac Cini (Sharks)
Age: 21
Position: Outside back
NRL matches: Four
Burst on to the scene scoring a try on debut for the Wests Tigers this year. Can play anywhere in the backline. The Sharks still have three spots on their roster.
Ash Taylor (Warriors)
Age: 26
Position: Half
NRL matches: 115
Finished last season as a $1 million player. Now he is fighting for his rugby league career. Thrown a lifeline by the Warriors after an indifferent stint on the Gold Coast. Will be given a one-year deal if he commits to the pre-season.
Tyrone Roberts (Broncos)
Age: 30
Position: Half
NRL matches: 156
Like one-time halves partner Ash Taylor, he’s is now looking to resurrect his career after spending this year with Norths Devils. The ex-Titans skipper hasn’t played in the NRL since round eight last year.
Chris Smith (Broncos)
Age: 27
Position: Second-row
NRL games: 33
Has played in the top grade since 2015 after stints at Penrith, Roosters and Canterbury. Featured in six matches for the Bulldogs this year.
Zac Saddler (Broncos)
Age: 22
Position: Prop
NRL games: Three
The two-time Indigenous All-Star made his debut for the Sea Eagles this year.
Steven Marsters (Bulldogs)
Age: 22
Position: Outside back
NRL matches: Six
The Cook Islands representative gets a shot at the Bulldogs. He scored a try on debut for the Rabbitohs last year but played just one match in the top grade in 2021.
Michael Molo (Dragons)
Age: 24
Position: Prop
Yet to debut
The younger brother of Dragons recruit Francis. Won man-of-the-match with Norths Devils in their premiership win against Wynnum Manly.
Jackson Ferris (Sharks)
Age: 23
Position: Centre
NRL games: 1
Suffered an injury after starring in his debut match in 2020, where he scored a try. Had a foot injury that plagued him this year. Rated a prospect if he can put aside his injury run.
Shaquille Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
Age: 25
Position: Prop
Yet to debut
Played two reserve-grade matches for the Rabbitohs this year. The older brother of Latrell has a chance to push his case in summer.
Edrick Lee (Knights)
Age: 29
Position: Winger
NRL games: 116
This time last year he had just made his Origin debut. Missed this year through injury. Will be given a top-30 deal if he receives injury clearance.
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