NRL considering introducing post-season trade window to end transfer madness
The NRL will introduce trade windows for player transfers in a bid to end the furore and muddled picture that so often accompanies deals.
The NRL will introduce trade windows for player transfers in a bid to end the furore and muddled picture that so often accompanies deals.
However, it must first ensure the players themselves are on board and then decide which ‘window’ option to implement.
The Rugby League Players’ Association is open to exploring change but is adamant certain ‘freedoms’ must remain.
One option would see two trade windows each year. Option one would kick in after the grand final and continue until the start of the following season.
The second model would be significantly shorter and be held around the State of Origin period.
It will be considered by the ARL Commission at its final meeting of the year later this month.
Rugby League Player’s Association boss Ian Prendergast said the RLPA would be open to exploring changes to the current system but stressed the importance of allowing players to retain their agency in deciding their futures.
“You need a fair system for everyone and it’s important we don’t impose any unreasonable restraints of trade on players, particularly given they’re only in it for a short period of time,” Prendergast told The Saturday Telegraph.
“They deserve the right to move and contract freely.
“We’re not the ones driving this process, it’s something that’s been floated by the NRL and all we’ve said is we’re happy to look at it.
“We actually think the current player movement system has held the game in really good stead, especially considering it’s one of the most balanced competitions in the world and that’s what drives a lot of interest in the game.”
Clubs could negotiate with players at any time of year to switch clubs once they enter free agency but contracts could only be signed and lodged during the trade window.
The recent transfers of Dylan Napa, David Klemmer, and Josh McGuire, the looming move of Shaun Johnson, the exodus of Valentine Holmes and the release rumours around Gareth Widdop has thrown the issue of transfers under the spotlight.
Unlike many sports, the NRL does not have a designated transfer or free agency window – players can sign wherever they like once their contracts expire the November before the final year of their contract.
Most sports carry their free agency period at the end of each season, something Prendergast believes would be unreasonable for rugby league to embrace.
“I understand why people are interested in it conceptually. However, I think once we dive into the details we’ll realise it’s more problematic than that, particularly as we’re not going to put the onus on the player to carry that risk until the end of the season,” Prendergast said.
“I know that’s something our members have raised concerns about regarding any changes to the current system.”
A key sticking point in any potential changes would be the need for players to retain ultimate choice in determining their future, which rules out any potential trading or transfer fee system.
Such concerns torpedoed the league’s efforts to introduce a player draft in the early 1990s.
“Any changes would have to be beneficial for everyone involved in the game and not have a negative impact on the ability to contract and move freely, as they can at the moment,” Prendergast said.
“Particularly given the current free labour market that players enjoy has served the game really well and is something past players have fought very hard to establish over the years.”
Introducing a dedicated transfer window would increase transparency of the process if nothing else, with the switches of recent weeks often leaving fans in the dark.
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