NRL report rejects push for rookie draft, calls for reintroduction of under 21 competition

A sweeping report into the game’s pathways has urged the NRL and its clubs to forget about bringing back the draft and also backed new restrictions on player agents.

(L-R) Trent Robinson, Matt Cameron and Frank Ponissi.

The draft is destined for the dustbin. This masthead can reveal that after months of research, a committee involving some rugby league’s greatest minds has urged the NRL and its clubs to forget about bringing back the draft.

The sweeping report into the game’s pathways, which was shared with clubs last week and will be at the centre of a meeting with the NRL on Wednesday, also backed new restrictions on players’ agents and the introduction of a national under-21 competition.

Club chief executives were given a 20-page summary of the review, which was conducted by a committee involving representatives from the state leagues, clubs and NRL.

Queensland Rugby League chief executive Ben Ikin, Penrith chief executive Matt Cameron, Melbourne head of football Frank Ponissi and Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson were among those involved.

The group considered several options for a draft but arrived at the decision that it was not in the game’s best interests and wouldn’t necessarily help the struggling clubs. They have urged the NRL to work on a model for consideration at a later date.

(L-R) Trent Robinson, Matt Cameron and Frank Ponissi.

“The group identified significant challenges in implementing a draft system, including the complexity of making such substantial changes to the current structure,” the review states.

“It was concluded that modifying the existing contracting model could achieve similar benefits to a rookie draft.

“These benefits include more even talent distribution, financial efficiency, and contracting age governance. The purpose of a rookie draft, aimed at equalising talent distribution, growing the game, and facilitating a cycle-of-success across clubs is acknowledged.

“However, it is not deemed a critical tool for the success of NRL clubs. The group believes that a draft would not significantly impact underperforming clubs without additional measures like unequal funding, which is not feasible.

“In summary, while the concept of a draft has its merits, the group believes that revising the current contracting model will provide similar benefits without the complexities and challenges associated with implementing a draft system.”

RETURN OF NYC

The group also discussed the benefits of an under-21s competition - the game previously had a national under-20s competition but it was scrapped, largely due to concerns about cost.

“Delivery of an U21’s competition will deliver parity across all NRL clubs and provide the four QLD-based clubs the opportunity to nurture and assess talent in a competition involving all their NRL counterparts,” the report says.

“This would also facilitate the ability for emerging talent within these clubs to remain with, or closer to, their families while developing in the pathway. Although aspiring to win premierships and player development are not mutually exclusive, it was suggested the main focus of teams competing in the competition should prioritise development and create an environment that is more conducive to the long-term development of athletes.

“It was also felt this competition could provide an entry point for expansion clubs, and emerging regions to fast track their pathways and development of their organisations.”

PLAYER AGENTS UNDER REVIEW

Agents were also in the sights of the review as they recommended standardised contracts for players under 18 which would remove the need for player managers to negotiate deals. The group recommended that agents be prevented from engaging with a player until the year they turn 18.

“The presence of agents may add pressure, potentially affecting the athlete’s developmental focus,” the report said.

“Additionally, agents encouraging early specialisation could restrict the athlete’s access to a variety of experiences essential for well-rounded development.

“By standardising contracts … we remove the requirement of player agents to negotiate financial terms of U18 contracts. It is evident that there remain circumstances where a player (under) 18 may still require the services of a player agent including where an NRL top 30, development or training contract can be negotiated.

“The development of a discrete ‘Authority to Act’ will allow for agent involvement in these limited circumstances.”

Originally published as NRL report rejects push for rookie draft, calls for reintroduction of under 21 competition