NRL clubs, players, agents face heavy sanctions under new trade window proposal

The NRL is finally getting serious about anti-tampering rules, and is set to bring in a host of strict measures to combat underhanded deals.

The NRL is finally ready to get serious about a trade window with clubs and officials set to face heavy sanctions if they break new proposed anti-tampering rules.

This masthead can reveal that the NRL has spoken to clubs and the Rugby League Players’ Association about strengthening the rules around unauthorised negotiations in a bid to address one of the biggest blights on the game.

There are also separate, ongoing discussions to move the November 1 trade window.

Under the current system, players and their agent can negotiate with clubs at any time, but can only sign a contract with a rival once they enter the final year of their existing deal on November 1.

Even if the deadline does not change, tough new rules will be implemented to prevent players, agents and rival clubs from conducting any discussions before November 1. Anyone found to have held talks before then will face serious sanctions.

Although talks over potential penalties are yet to commence, it is realistic to expect player agents to face the loss of their accreditation should they breach the rules.

The new rules will make it tougher for rival clubs to slip under the Broncos’ guard to poach superstar fullback Reece Walsh. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Clubs could face significant fines or even loss of competition points while club officials may be suspended.

The RLPA has also pushed hard for change.

“We’ve proposed these important changes to the contracting window following consultation with key stakeholders, particularly clubs, and we all believe they will produce positive results in an imperfect area of sport,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said.

“We can get sensible outcomes when the game works together on matters that impact us all, and this is a case in point.

“These news rules are now there to be enforced, particularly around anti-tampering and restricting contracts from being negotiated until the final year of a player’s contract.

“Like all good agreements, it comes down to how well they’re consistently enforced.

“It’s in everyone’s best interest that there is a willingness to ensure they’re understood and complied with.”

Ben Hunt is off-contract at the end of 2025. Picture: Brendan Radke

The NRL has two primary reasons for wanting to change the rules and potentially move the November 1 date. Firstly, the league is keen to limit the distractions around players coming off contract until they are actually able to sign a contract.

Fans, in particular, continue to be frustrated by talk of their players speaking to rival clubs when they have a year or more remaining on their contract.

Secondly, the NRL also wants to limit negotiations to give the incumbent clubs more protection and more power to retain their players before they hit the open market.

This masthead understands that the NRL, RLPA and clubs are aligned on the need to address the issue given the consternation it causes fans.

The issue has been simmering for years but attempts to bring in tighter rules around anti-tampering and contract negotiations have consistently hit roadblocks. Finally, it now appears the respective parties have edge towards a long-overdue revamp.

Inspirational Eels captain Clint Gutherson will be a free agent for the 2026 season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The impending changes won’t come into play until the 2025 season and impact the free agency class of 2026.

That means rival clubs will have to be patient before they are able to talk to a host of big names, including Clint Gutherson, Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, Valentine Holmes, Kotoni Staggs, Jeremy Marshall-King, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Haumole Olakau’atu.

The Panthers at the moment have just three players who are free agents at the end of 2025 — Izack Tago, Mavrik Geyer and Soni Luke.

The Warriors have a monster 13 players off-contract at the end of two more seasons while the Broncos, Parramatta and Dolphins have 10 players. Cronulla have nine.

2025 off-contract players

Broncos: Blake Mozer, Cory Paix, Fletcher Baker, Kobe Hetherington, Kotoni Staggs, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Tristan Sailor, Xavier Willison

Raiders: Albert Hopoate, Danny Levi, Emre Guler, Matt Timoko, Simi Sasagi, Tom Starling, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange

Bulldogs: Blake Taaffe, Bronson Xerri, Jaeman Salmon, Josh Addo-Carr, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Ryan Sutton

Sharks: Braydon Trindall, Briton Nikora, Cameron McInnes, Dale Finucane, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Royce Hunt, Sam Stonestreet, Teig Wilton, William Kennedy

Dolphins: Connelly Lemuelu, Felise Kaufusi, Isaiya Katoa, Josh Kerr, Jack Bostock, Jamayne Isaako, Jeremy Marshall-King, Kenny Bromwich, Max Plath, Sean O’Sullivan

Titans: Aaron Schoupp, Erin Clark, Jojo Fifita, Keenan Palasia, Ken Maumalo, Tanah Boyd, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui

Sea Eagles: Ben Condon, Daly Cherry-Evans, Haumole Olakau’atu, Kelma Tuilagi, Tommy Talau, Toafofoa Sipley

Storm: Alec MacDonald, Bronson Garlick, Jonah Pezet, Josh King, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Trent Loiero, Tui Kamikamica, Tyran Wishart

Knights: Adam Elliott, Jack Hetherington, Jackson Hastings, Jayden Brailey, Jed Cartwright, Kai Pearce-Paul, Will Pryce

Cowboys: Griffin Neame, Jack Gosiewski, Heilum Luki, Luciano Leilua, Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Valentine Holmes, Viliami Vailea

Eels: Brendan Hands, Clint Gutherson, J’maine Hopgood, Joey Lussick, Joe Ofahengaue, Maika Sivo, Matt Doorey, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Sean Russell, Will Penisini

Panthers: Izack Tago, Mavrik Geyer, Soni Luke

Dragons: Ben Hunt, Sione Finau, Viliami Fifita

Rabbitohs: Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Davvy Moale, Jacob Host, Lachlan Ilias, Siliva Havili, Tyrone Munro

Roosters: Brandon Smith, Egan Butcher, James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Sam Walker

Warriors: Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Bunty Afoa, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dylan Walker, Edward Kosi, Marcelo Montoya, Mitchell Barnett, Ronald Volkman, Te Maire Martin, Tom Ale, Wayde Egan

Originally published as NRL clubs, players, agents face heavy sanctions under new trade window proposal