NRLW player contracting period begins after protracted CBA negotiations finalised

Players have been waiting months for employment certainty, and the NRLW market is set to finally open with the contracting period to start from Wednesday, writes PAMELA WHALEY.

Emma Tonegato, Millie Boyle and Raecene McGregor are tipped to switch clubs.

The player market floodgates are about to burst open for NRLW clubs and players with the NRL finally opening the contracting window from Wednesday.

The expected switch of NRLW premiership winning captain Millie Boyle from Newcastle to the Roosters, as well as Simaima Taufa from the Eels to the Raiders and Emma Tonegato from the Dragons to the Sharks can all be finalised from Wednesday morning.

It follows months of negotiations between the Rugby League Players’ Association and the NRL, with the two bodies agreeing on the key principles of the contracting model.

It will allow players to sign contracts with clubs for the upcoming women’s competition, which is set to start with pre-season training on May 29.

The full draw is expected to be released next week, which will detail a 20-week season including nine rounds, semi finals and a grand final.

Simaima Taufa is expected to move from the Eels to the Raiders. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

While negotiations have been ongoing, the 10 clubs have been struggling to finalise their playing rosters and have only been able to offer players letters of intent, which are not legally binding.

However, on Tuesday afternoon the NRL gave clubs and players the green light to start signing agreements as of Wednesday morning at 9am.

For the first time NRLW players can sign multi-year contracts, which allows for greater employment security, but also allows clubs to build a solid roster around a superstar.

There’s expected to be plenty of movement across the playing group between original clubs and the four new teams, Canberra, Cronulla, North Queensland and Wests Tigers.

It could mean plenty of backflips from both players and clubs once official contracts are offered and signed from Wednesday.

“We are extremely excited to be officially opening the contract window for the 2023 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership,” said NRL boss Andrew Abdo in a statement.

“This is a watershed moment for rugby league. We are pleased to have agreed on the key terms of the NRLW contracting model with the RLPA and clubs resulting in a landmark new salary cap, minimum wage and player benefits.

“For the first time, elite female players have the opportunity to sign multi-year contracts with 10 NRLW clubs, which provides these players with long term security and certainty.

“The Commission’s investment in the women’s game is being prioritised at all levels. This is an important step forward, and one of many we will be taking in the future.”

Emma Tonegato is expected to join the Sharks. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

From Wednesday clubs can begin building a 24-player squad. There are also four development player spots in the roster.

It follows the NRL’s investment of around $118 million over five years to improve the minimum wage, entitlements and contracting.

Back in February the NRL and RLPA agreed to salary cap rises from $350,000 in 2022 to $900,000 in 2023.

Annual salary caps over the next five years will be $1,020,000 in 2024, $1,254,000 in 2025 and $1,386,000 in 2026.

“I would like to thank the entire NRLW playing group for their determination and commitment to securing strong payments, benefits, and entitlements for current and future players. The new NRLW contracting structure will play a significant role in retaining and recruiting the best talent, helping with the continual growth in participation and exposure for the women’s game,” said RLPA boss Clint Newton.

“Our attention now turns to finalising our joint-CBA with the NRL for both male and female players and continuing to build the foundations that will lead to full professionalism for NRLW players.”

Originally published as NRLW player contracting period begins after protracted CBA negotiations finalised