Benji Marshall’s bid for a guest stint playing rugby union in Japan took another hit on Monday with the NRL board unanimously supporting plans to block such proposals.
The New Zealand international had flagged a possible offseason stint in Japan between contracts at the Wests Tigers, but the move has been vetoed by NRL chief executive David Gallop and now by the board.
While the chances of Marshall landing a lucrative deal in Japan continue to lengthen, the board’s ruling on Monday put another dent in the Kiwi’s fading options.
“In essence the board’s view is that rugby league is not a part-time occupation,” Gallop said.
“The game and its commercial partners invest millions of dollars each year in creating an environment that is unmatched in intensity and excitement.
“You can’t maintain that while allowing rival codes, rival sponsors and rival networks to market NRL players at the same time.
“The board feels that there can be no question, therefore, that the NRL has a clear stake in this issue.
“We also have to be careful not to allow managers and clubs to open artificial arrangements that circumvent the salary cap.”
Meanwhile the NRL board also endorsed the progress of the two-referee system being introduced this year.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The lack of respect shown to Kasey Badger as she refereed Saturday’s Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs game is unfortunately nothing new. Nor is…
How many weeks are left until we stop caring about the NRL again? This is the golden period of the season, with every team…
The Bulldog was the third man in a scuffle where Alex Seyfarth was sin-binned for a headbutt but escaped punishment, but Joey says he's…
Benji Marshall has plenty of kids in his side and, sitting 14-6 to the good at half time over the Bulldogs, he might have…
It was already going horrendously for Benji Marshall and the Tigers, 22-0 down at the hour mark, when their captain walked off the field.…
Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has had his contract shockingly terminated by the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs effective immediately, having played just one game for…
