The National Rugby League Board has today unanimously reinforced the view that clubs could not release players for ‘guest contracts’ to rival codes either directly or by creating off-season ‘windows’ between contracts.
While the Board accepted any player’s individual right to change codes, there remained a clear view that a player had to fully commit to one code or another at any given time.
“In essence the Board’s view is that Rugby League is not a part-time occupation,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“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.”
The NRL Board today also endorsed the progress of the ‘two-referee’ model being introduced in the 2009 Telstra Premiership.
It said that the progress of the model through the trials had been extremely positive to date.
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