NRL Transfer system: Broncos loan Jesse Arthars to Warriors

Player loan deals between NRL clubs were meant as a temporary feature to deal with the Covid crisis, but it seems they are here to stay.

Temporary loan deals were introduced to help NRL clubs get through the pandemic but Jesse Arthars’ switch to the Warriors is a sign they are here to stay.

The Brisbane centre will start training with Nathan Brown’s troops in Redcliffe on Wednesday as part of a one-year loan agreement with the club.

Arthars is still contracted with the Broncos until the end of season 2023 and is expected to return to Red Hill after his 12-month stint with the Warriors.

“We really appreciate the co-operation from the Broncos and the support of Jesse’s family in making this move possible,” Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges said. “It has been a great example of how football clubs can work together for the benefit of all involved.

Sport’s greatest rivalry is just around the corner and you can catch the Ashes live and ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Jesse Arthars will join the Warriors on a one-year loan. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Jesse is a terrific young player and a wonderful young man. Able to slot in at centre, on the wing and at fullback, he’ll add a lot to our squad, boosting our depth in the outside backs and adding real competition for spots.”

While temporary loan deals were reinstated in 2020, primarily to help the Warriors get through the last two seasons away from home. Melbourne’s Harry Grant and then Wests Tigers back Paul Momirovski made history when the NRL signed off on its first loan deal. The two players swapped places for season 2020.

The NRL’s transfer system is under the spotlight after a number of controversial signings under the November 1 system, including the Brandon Smith Roosters saga and Viliame Kikau’s ‘Bulldogs polo shirt’ drama.

Like the current transfer system, loan deals are certain to face scrutiny when the NRL discusses potential alternatives to the current model over the next few months.

ABDO: IT’S TIME TO END TRANSFER CHAOS

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has conceded it’s time to ‘rethink’ the transfer system after Brandon Smith’s controversial comments about joining the Roosters put the current contract model further under the spotlight.

After agreeing to join the Roosters, with 12 months to run on his Melbourne Storm deal, Smith made comments about wanting to win a premiership with the Tricolours on a YKTR Sports podcast.

Other controversial signings that raised the ire of rugby league fans include Penrith’s Viliame Kikau and Parramatta’s Reed Mahoney switch to Canterbury in 2023, while still contract to their current clubs.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo admits the transfer system needs fixing. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

A photo of Kikau in a Bulldogs polo, flanked by future coach Trent Barrett and Phil Gould was leaked to the media, stirring the anger of not just Penrith fans, but league fans in general.

Abdo said the NRL would be engaging the RLPA and clubs over the next couple of months with the view of making changes to the current system.

The ARLC, who has been pushing for change, will meet on Friday.

“The commission has said to us, think innovatively and differently about what a trade window contract model would look like,” Abdo said.

“I definitely think there are things we can do that can eliminate some of the pain points of players signing very early.

“Some sports have drafts, some sports have rigid trade windows and this an opportunity to rethink ours I think.

This image of Viliame Kikau in Canterbury Bulldogs colours riled plenty of Penrith fans.

“I’m confident there is a way for us to find a middle ground and from the research we’ve done, I’m confident we’ll come up with some reforms and improvements.

“We are now at the point where we are going to engage the different stakeholders.

“Over the next couple of months a lot of work will go into this.

“Anything is possible. We want to be the best sporting entertainment experience in Australia. To do that we need to think about lifting professionalism at all levels. If there is an opportunity to improve our contracting window, we will do that”

Smith’s former Storm teammate Josh Addo-Carr refused to be drawn into the controversy and the comments made by Smith about the club.

“I’ve heard about it, I wouldn’t disrespect my brother. Brandon Smith is my brother,” Addo-Carr said. “I wouldn’t say a bad word about him. I’ve done a lot with Brandon, I don’t want to say the right or wrong thing.”

Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith has been forced to clarify his statements on the YKTR Podcast. Picture: YouTube

Smith has since apologised for the comments made, including those about the club’s culture.

The 25-year old also found himself in hot water for the foul language used in the podcast.

Abdo said the NRL Integrity Unit is looking into whether Smith has broken any rules and a decision is likely to come in the next 24-48 hours.

But the CEO conceded the foul-mouthed tirade was not a good look for the game

“The fact we are talking about it means it obviously has an impact on people. If we are trying to appeal to the broadest audience then we need to be professional about how we conduct ourselves, all of us in the game,” Abdo said.

“It is disappointing we are talking about it. I’ll have to have a close look at the facts and whether any rules have been broken.”