As frustrating as it is, I think it's a good rule. I prefer players to stay loyal to their clubs, and it's shit when you have the situation where players are signed to another club while still having a year or more to run with their current club.
The solution for clubs not to get f**ked over is not to announce new signings until after the round 13/June 13 (whichever it is) deadline, and keep their options open.
There will be plenty of players still off contract on deadline day (just not many stars) and anyone who signs after that will be registered straight away.
If Norman doesn't come we still have other options, including blokes already contracted to the club (Kelly and Hopoate). That lets us spend our big bucks where it's needed more.
Given the nature of player development, there are a few youngsters currently playing in the NRL who are about to hit some massive form (happens every year). Hopefully a few of them are forwards and we can throw our huge salary cap space at a couple of them.
And then they can turn up here next year and play like busteds for 18 months.