The NRL has proposed to scrap its controversial Round 13 rule for player contracts in favour of a ten-day ‘cooling off period’ under a new proposal.
The current system allows players until Round 13 to back out of a contract they have signed, giving their current club the opportunity to convince them to stay, or for a player to back out of deals.
This has allowed situations like Daly Cherry-Evans’ to play out over months in the media, even after they’ve signed a contract with their prospective new club.
One of the more interesting elements of the rule is that the club cannot announce the signing of the player until the 10-day period has expired.
NRL head of football, Todd Greenberg, said the current system will be scrapped in favour of a 10 business day period for players to change their minds.
Greenberg said the move was a result of frustrations from both fans and clubs around the current structure, allowing situations to continue to play out over months.
“I think everyone agrees it is unseemly to have months of speculation about whether a player is going to a rival club,” he said.
“Our view is a 10 day cooling off period is an acceptable solution for all involved.”
The institution of the new rule is subject to further consultation and approval from the Rugby League Players Association.
In a statement, the NRL described the exact parameters of the new rule.
If approved, it will stipulate that:
– A player may sign an extension of his contract with his existing club at any time
– A player may sign with a new club only during the final year of his contract
– A 10-business day cooling off period will apply to all contracts
– A club signing a player is prohibited from making an announcement until the cooling off period has expired
Mr Greenberg said the rule would be an interim measure, pending the outcome of Shane Richardson’s “whole of game” review.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It doesn't say player managers aren't allowed to make announcements.
DT
Guest
Best move by the NRL in recent history. SImple and generally in line with other commercial contracts,
Gazzatron
Guest
Good start. I would like a draft.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
All reads well to me, I know some will say that new deals should only be at the end of the season, but that's a bit silly -- pre-seasons start quite early these days and the transfer window needs to be long enough to allow that.
Paco
Guest
I like it. Positive move.
MJB
Guest
Excellent, the NRL is finally brought in line with the rest of the world.
Chop
Roar Guru
If approved, it will stipulate that: – A player may sign an extension of his contract with his existing club at any time Good - hopefully it will encourage players to stay at the one club. – A player may sign with a new club only during the final year of his contract Bad - it should be at the completion of his current contract Rnd 26 or GF – A 10-business day cooling off period will apply to all contracts Good - I think this is a good move. – A club signing a player is prohibited from making an announcement until the cooling off period has expired Good - No more being played out in public as DCE/Nate Myles and to a lesser extent Kieran Foran
Kingcowboy
Guest
It doesn't matter what the NRL do, people will always complain. All i know is that the Cowboys have won nine in a row and this is our year. Go Cows!!!!!!!!!!