NRL looking to introduce player contract transfer, trade window by 2023

The NRL have started on the biggest changes to player contracts in more than 20-years, putting an end to agents driving up player prices.

Matt Burton runs the ball for the Panthers. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The NRL have formed a committee to commence the biggest shake-up of player contracts and movement in more than 20 years, with the project team aiming to introduce a trade window by 2023.

And the working group will also be charged with formalising a central contract registering system that would put an end to player agents using phantom offers to drive up their client‘s price.

NRL chief financial officer Richard Gardham will lead a group that includes RLPA CEO Clint Newton, senior members of NRL management and selected club CEOs.

The introduction of up to two trade windows — immediately after the grand final and then again in January each year — would reshape the transfer market that, despite the current June 30 mid-season transfer date and November 1 free-agency date, hasn’t stopped players and clubs breaking contracts long before their intended expiration date.

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Under new changes, players like Matt Burton may find it easier to leave their clubs early by securing a trade. Picture: Getty Images.

“This is an important review for the NRL, clubs and players,’’ NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“The RLPA will be on the journey with us.

“I believe there is a way we can do this where we can protect the players and the clubs.

“There’s no question we have to change, that’s why we’re undertaking this review from the perspective of the fan, the player and the club.

“Our system needs to be updated and there are frustrations for everyone.

“We think this is a genuine opportunity to make our game even more appealing to fans and if we’re running a sports entertainment business here, then positive change is good for all of us.’’

There is no appetite for the NRL to introduce a draft system, similar to the NFL or AFL.

Instead, the NRL believes the inclusion of a trade window would enable hard-and-fast rules for players and clubs to operate within, but also create mass-interest and engagement for fans outside of the regular season.

The placement of the trade windows is critical with a post-grand final window paving the way for club‘s to free salary cap space so they can be more aggressive in the market for the following season.

The likes of Penrith‘s Matt Burton, who is set to join the Bulldogs in 2022, would also be given a greater opportunity to leave the Panthers immediately due to the domino effect of players Penrith would be able to access within the trade window.

the governing body is also looking to revive the concept of a central register for contract offers.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says there is no doubt the current contract climate must change. Picture: Brett Costello

It would mean all offers for players would need to be lodged via a system that would allow the NRL to keep a close eye on the process and ensure everything was above board.

Only the bidding clubs and the player would have access to view the bids.

Player agents could no longer use phantom offers to drive up their client’s price. Nor could they keep offers secret from their clients.

For too long, player movement, deals and negotiations have been a free-for-all, with weaker clubs often used as “contract bait” to increase interest in off-contract players.

No party, including clubs or agents, have been immune from being loose with the truth when it comes to offers, with some players not even aware of an offer a club has put forward to them.

The NRL is adamant the player negotiation process can be made more transparent.

A perfect example is the farce that unfolded last week when after being falsely linked to Parramatta‘s Nathan Brown, St George-Illawarra management contacted Eels officials to confirm they had no interest in the gun forward.

Gardham and the committee plan to propose that all offers to players would be registered with the NRL.

Due to mass resistance from the RLPA, making player salaries public is unlikely to occur in the immediate future.

Originally published as NRL looking to introduce player contract transfer, trade window by 2023