NRL powerbrokers have pitched a plan to introduce three staggered transfer windows in a huge transformation of the current transfer system.
According to The Daily Telegraph, club bosses have been involved in the plan which has been put forward to the RLPA as negotiations continue regarding the new collective bargaining agreement.
Under the current system, players are free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, a year out from when their contract expires.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The transfer window has been a consistent sticking point throughout CBA discussions, with the playing group backing the current system.
The new system introduces tiers dependent on player’s experience at NRL level, with only players with at least six years of first grade being able to negotiate from November 1.
Those with three to five years experience will be able to negotiate with rivals on April 1 the following year, while those with up to two years experience are able to begin discussions on June 30.
Under the proposal, players such as Chad Townsend, Dylan Edwards and Payne Haas would be free to negotiate come November 1.
Johns to replace injured Schuster | 00:29
MORE NRL NEWS
‘STINKS OF DESPERATION’: Wests Tigers chasing Pearce on $1.5m deal
‘I FEAR NO ONE’: Gus fires back at ‘pontificating’ Roosters coach in Suaalii debate
SUITORS: SIX potential NRL landing spots for Wighton after contract bombshell
Hudson Young and Toby Rudolf would fall in the middle bracket, while young guns Tolu Koula and Paul Alamoti would be free to negotiate from June 30.
RLPA chief executive Clint Newton made it clear nothing will be signed off without a thorough investigation into how any proposed system may affect the playing group.
“This is a complex problem that has many things that will shoot off it by making a change,” Newton said to News Corp.
“Therefore it requires far more sophistication to it than only looking at date changes. That is because there are a whole range of things that come with it around anti-tampering and enforcement of rules.”
Newton also acknowledged the current system “is an issue” with players signing for rivals before playing another full season with their current club.
Reynolds set to make Bulldogs return | 01:20
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Following the 2021 November 1 deadline, several players signed deals for 2023 which highlighted the system’s flaws.
Marata Niukore, Reed Mahoney, Brandon Smith and Viliame Kikau all spent a whole season at their respective clubs before they began their newest contract.
However, the RLPA boss pointed to the entertaining and competitive start to the 2023 campaign as evidence the current system works.
“Does anyone want to look at that, this supposed issue is creating a competition that has never been closer,” Newton said.
“Does anyone want to look at that? Does anyone want to look at the clubs who would have otherwise struggled, good luck trying to go and change your roster around if you only have a few months to do it at the end of the season?”
