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Rugby Australia to target top NRL talent

Matua

Bench
Messages
4,869
Some french top union players like to watch NRL games, but IMO none would be ready willing to take the plunge, RL at that level to hard for them and they are paid too well.
At the risk of setting Wb1234 off on one of his rants accusing me of not being a league fan, this comment is particularly silly.

There are two rugby union converts from NZ in the backs in the NRL currently. One fat, out of shape, and was playing semi-pro rugby at best before converting and is now a first grade player and still a fatso. The other is now a test and first grade prop who contributed to a huge smashing of the Kangaroos, he came from amateur club rugby as a midfield back. I've not counted Warbrick as he played junior league in NZ but he too is essentially a convert.

I'm sure some of the French backs would be able to hack it as well as or better than Te Whare and Thompson. They woudn't switch because as you rightly note they're paid too well, plus it would mean moving half way round the world in a sporting culture where they're used to staying at home.
 

Wb1234

Immortal
Messages
30,050
Is it worth ruining club finances for union players ? Probably not

the average union club in England loses 3 million pounds per annum

3 just went broke more will follow

every nrl club usually makes profits and it’s not like the game is short of juniors

invest in png samoa Tonga fiji and New Zealand juniors

most top level union players would struggle in the nrl at best they would make decent first graders but certainly not worth risking a million pa

The workrate in rugby league is something most union players would struggle to keep up with

watching the “highlights” of the union World Cup was laughable

another source of juniors is England and france
 

Iamback

Coach
Messages
19,302
At the risk of setting Wb1234 off on one of his rants accusing me of not being a league fan, this comment is particularly silly.

There are two rugby union converts from NZ in the backs in the NRL currently. One fat, out of shape, and was playing semi-pro rugby at best before converting and is now a first grade player and still a fatso. The other is now a test and first grade prop who contributed to a huge smashing of the Kangaroos, he came from amateur club rugby as a midfield back. I've not counted Warbrick as he played junior league in NZ but he too is essentially a convert.

I'm sure some of the French backs would be able to hack it as well as or better than Te Whare and Thompson. They woudn't switch because as you rightly note they're paid too well, plus it would mean moving half way round the world in a sporting culture where they're used to staying at home.

You won't get french guys but you may get some guys wanting to head home
 

Perth Red

Post Whore
Messages
67,978
The had puppet on salary cap exemptions for union players:

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league.


But there is the potential of the NRL striking back.

The Sydney Roosters are reportedly in talks with Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, while NSW Waratahs teenager Max Jorgensen has long been a target for the NRL.

"We want the best athletes playing our game, whether that's the men's or women's competition," Abdo said.

"Growth is on our agenda, so while our primary focus is developing rugby league talent through our own pathways, we're also open to attracting and, potentially in some cases, returning to league from other codes.

"Would salary-cap relief be potentially used? Yes.

"That's an absolute possibility that the commission will consider, and consider in due course."

Getting that right, while appeasing all 17 clubs with a level playing field, stands as the NRL's biggest challenge.

Salary-cap exemptions are already in place for developed players and veterans, with up to 10 per cent of their salaries wiped off the cap to a maximum of $300,000 per club per year.

A similar system could potentially be put in place for players who have been signed from rival codes.

"Any change the commission might make to that policy will have to be very carefully considered, and there will be parameters and caps," Abdo said.

"It won't be a free-for-all.

"It will be delicate and it will be about making sure there's an opportunity for all clubs on an equal basis to have one or two talented players that they recruit potentially from other codes around the world.

"It'll be carefully considered though, because we do want to make sure that we focus on our pathways, and we also want to maintain competitive balance."

Abdo's comments came as Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh conceded his ailing code needed to win back the faith of the players after the Wallabies' disastrous group-stage exit at the World Cup.

"We talk about building trust and connection. We've lost a lot of trust with the playing group as well," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"The experience that they had this year with the Wallabies at the World Cup, compared to what they would have envisaged going into the World Cup, might have been very different.

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league.


But there is the potential of the NRL striking back.

The Sydney Roosters are reportedly in talks with Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, while NSW Waratahs teenager Max Jorgensen has long been a target for the NRL.

"We want the best athletes playing our game, whether that's the men's or women's competition," Abdo said.

"Growth is on our agenda, so while our primary focus is developing rugby league talent through our own pathways, we're also open to attracting and, potentially in some cases, returning to league from other codes.

"Would salary-cap relief be potentially used? Yes.

"That's an absolute possibility that the commission will consider, and consider in due course."

Getting that right, while appeasing all 17 clubs with a level playing field, stands as the NRL's biggest challenge.

Salary-cap exemptions are already in place for developed players and veterans, with up to 10 per cent of their salaries wiped off the cap to a maximum of $300,000 per club per year.

A similar system could potentially be put in place for players who have been signed from rival codes.

"Any change the commission might make to that policy will have to be very carefully considered, and there will be parameters and caps," Abdo said.

"It won't be a free-for-all.

"It will be delicate and it will be about making sure there's an opportunity for all clubs on an equal basis to have one or two talented players that they recruit potentially from other codes around the world.

"It'll be carefully considered though, because we do want to make sure that we focus on our pathways, and we also want to maintain competitive balance."

Abdo's comments came as Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh conceded his ailing code needed to win back the faith of the players after the Wallabies' disastrous group-stage exit at the World Cup.

"We talk about building trust and connection. We've lost a lot of trust with the playing group as well," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"The experience that they had this year with the Wallabies at the World Cup, compared to what they would have envisaged going into the World Cup, might have been very different.

"So it's really important for us to build a system that's attractive for them to be a part of.

"Right now where we are in the cycle with the (British and Irish) Lions and the home World Cup (looming in 2025 and 2027 respectively), it's the perfect opportunity for us to rebuild the game.

"But we need to build that trust of the players."


 

Gobsmacked

Bench
Messages
2,692
The had puppet on salary cap exemptions for union players:

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league.


But there is the potential of the NRL striking back.

The Sydney Roosters are reportedly in talks with Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, while NSW Waratahs teenager Max Jorgensen has long been a target for the NRL.

"We want the best athletes playing our game, whether that's the men's or women's competition," Abdo said.

"Growth is on our agenda, so while our primary focus is developing rugby league talent through our own pathways, we're also open to attracting and, potentially in some cases, returning to league from other codes.

"Would salary-cap relief be potentially used? Yes.

"That's an absolute possibility that the commission will consider, and consider in due course."

Getting that right, while appeasing all 17 clubs with a level playing field, stands as the NRL's biggest challenge.

Salary-cap exemptions are already in place for developed players and veterans, with up to 10 per cent of their salaries wiped off the cap to a maximum of $300,000 per club per year.

A similar system could potentially be put in place for players who have been signed from rival codes.

"Any change the commission might make to that policy will have to be very carefully considered, and there will be parameters and caps," Abdo said.

"It won't be a free-for-all.

"It will be delicate and it will be about making sure there's an opportunity for all clubs on an equal basis to have one or two talented players that they recruit potentially from other codes around the world.

"It'll be carefully considered though, because we do want to make sure that we focus on our pathways, and we also want to maintain competitive balance."

Abdo's comments came as Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh conceded his ailing code needed to win back the faith of the players after the Wallabies' disastrous group-stage exit at the World Cup.

"We talk about building trust and connection. We've lost a lot of trust with the playing group as well," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"The experience that they had this year with the Wallabies at the World Cup, compared to what they would have envisaged going into the World Cup, might have been very different.

NRL chief Andrew Abdo insists any salary-cap exemptions to attract players from rival codes would be implemented fairly, as league bosses eye off potential incentives for a looming raid on rugby.

The ARL Commission is expected to discuss potential options for exemptions at next month's meeting, with Rugby Australia bosses admitting a horror World Cup has left them vulnerable.

During a dramatic 2023, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been successfully lured to the 15-man game, Eddie Jones has come and gone as Wallabies coach, and the likes of Cameron Murray have opted to stay put in rugby league.


But there is the potential of the NRL striking back.

The Sydney Roosters are reportedly in talks with Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, while NSW Waratahs teenager Max Jorgensen has long been a target for the NRL.

"We want the best athletes playing our game, whether that's the men's or women's competition," Abdo said.

"Growth is on our agenda, so while our primary focus is developing rugby league talent through our own pathways, we're also open to attracting and, potentially in some cases, returning to league from other codes.

"Would salary-cap relief be potentially used? Yes.

"That's an absolute possibility that the commission will consider, and consider in due course."

Getting that right, while appeasing all 17 clubs with a level playing field, stands as the NRL's biggest challenge.

Salary-cap exemptions are already in place for developed players and veterans, with up to 10 per cent of their salaries wiped off the cap to a maximum of $300,000 per club per year.

A similar system could potentially be put in place for players who have been signed from rival codes.

"Any change the commission might make to that policy will have to be very carefully considered, and there will be parameters and caps," Abdo said.

"It won't be a free-for-all.

"It will be delicate and it will be about making sure there's an opportunity for all clubs on an equal basis to have one or two talented players that they recruit potentially from other codes around the world.

"It'll be carefully considered though, because we do want to make sure that we focus on our pathways, and we also want to maintain competitive balance."

Abdo's comments came as Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh conceded his ailing code needed to win back the faith of the players after the Wallabies' disastrous group-stage exit at the World Cup.

"We talk about building trust and connection. We've lost a lot of trust with the playing group as well," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"The experience that they had this year with the Wallabies at the World Cup, compared to what they would have envisaged going into the World Cup, might have been very different.

"So it's really important for us to build a system that's attractive for them to be a part of.

"Right now where we are in the cycle with the (British and Irish) Lions and the home World Cup (looming in 2025 and 2027 respectively), it's the perfect opportunity for us to rebuild the game.

"But we need to build that trust of the players."


The only concern is if players leave league in order to return under an exemption but I'm sure they will mitigate that some way
 

Gobsmacked

Bench
Messages
2,692

is he even any good or will he be a fringe player ?

jorgenson has huge raps on him
Puts a big dent in the Wallabies prospects. A few more of those and the Lions will be beating them by 50..
I remember when the 3 biggest and best Rugby nations were Australia, NZ and SA...no more Australia.

If this trend continues, the WC in Australia could be a massive flop.
 
Messages
11,722
..no more Australia.

If this trend continues, the WC in Australia could be a massive flop.
tumblr_lzgj4vpOfy1romnewo3_400.gif
 

gerg

Juniors
Messages
2,457
"It will be delicate and it will be about making sure there's an opportunity for all clubs on an equal basis to have one or two talented players that they recruit potentially from other codes around the world.


Imagine my surprise....

Roosters first team to benefit
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,696
So what defines a RU player to be Salary Cap exempt?

We have many kids or fringe players who play both codes

I think you need something like
- RU interstate or international (only for men)
- has not played NRL for 2 years
- 20% relief for 1 year and 10% for 2 yeaes 0 after
 

taste2taste

Juniors
Messages
2,122
The only concern is if players leave league in order to return under an exemption but I'm sure they will mitigate that some way
Yes, this !

Maybe if they say something like a player can't have played league in any form for 10 years ? Otherwise players will be going over to Union for 1 year so they can come back on bigger $ with salary cap relief.

Or

What's stopping an 18 yr old that has interest from both codes choosing union because they know they can come to the NRL on bigger money in a year's time.

If we're being honest, there are only 2 or 3 Wallabies that could be decent NRL players, we already sign the best junior talent, it's only the scraps that go to Rugby anyways. This rule would be for international players and I think it won't be until the next TV cycle that we will have the cap that can offer these guys the massive money that will be needed to will lure them across.
 
Messages
14,774
From the link above
If you thought Australia’s World Cup campaign was bad, brace yourself. And the signing of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be even worse than that of Eddie Jones, writes Robert Craddock.

Strange but true. Roosters back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is on track to be a worse signing for rugby union than Eddie Jones.
And it has nothing to do with his playing ability or the fact that he might play 20 or 30 Tests in his three-year term which starts in 2025.
It’s the damage his $5.3 million bolt-from-the-blue signing could do that’s the worry for crisis stricken rugby union officialswho started a contract war with a brazen single shot across rugby league’s bow but may soon find themselves dodging tank fire whistling back in their direction.
Jones signing was an unmitigated disaster for rugby union but at least he was in and out in 11 months with no costly payout.
The Wallabies went from very average to something worse but they were on course to have a bad World Cup anyway.

When you fall to bare earth from one of the bottom rungs of the ladder the pain should never be acute.
Initially, most rugby judges (John Connolly apart) felt Jones was a gamble worth taking. And for all the drama about “Crazy Eddie’’ and his constant backflips and tantrums there was one thing the Jones debacle did achieve – it got people talking about rugby and caring about it in a “I hope those people in the car crash are OK’’ sort of way.
But the decision to hand the richest contract in Australian rugby – $1.7 million a year – to Suaalii could prove a disaster on two fronts.

Rugby league is gearing up for a revenge raid featuring salary cap concessions for rugby stars which will make rugby’s top talents ultra-appealing in an era when yet another expansion club is only a few years away.
Rugby may have a British Lions series on the horizon but, with new salary cap exemptions, league offers to players like star wing Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is meeting with Roosters officials this week, will be immense.

League doesn’t have to win every battle. But if you put enough lines in the water eventually they will get a strike.
As former QRL boss Ron McAuliffe cheekily offered after league’s recruitment of Wallaby Chris Roche in the 1980s “it’s just feels nice to pluck one of their fellows from time to time.’’
Any NRL poaching success will be a huge blow for the Wallabies who desperately need every bit of star power they can hold on to at a time when their highest profile players – Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper – didn’t even make the World Cup squad.
The other potential landmine with Suaalii’s signing is the size of his deal that has thrown the entire contract system out of whack and will surely prove the adage that jealousy is a curse.

At time when rugby has to fight for every penny, lashing out in such a reckless way has the potential to create massive disharmony.
How many times over the next two years do you reckon these three sentences will be uttered in a row?.
Senior player: “So if Suaalii is worth $1.7 a season before he has played a Test surely I have to be a seven-figure player as well.’’

Rugby Australia contract negotiator: “Yes but part of his fee is that he is a drawcard and a big name …’’
Senior player: “Really? He’s never played State of Origin … and he’s a winger for god’s sake. He is a very good player, not a great one.’’
And even if he was, his signing may prove more trouble than it’s worth.
 

Chimp

Bench
Messages
2,755
If nothing else, the potential presence of NRL clubs (with salary cap exemptions up their sleeve) around the contract negotiations of top RU players will just drive up the amount the ARU has to pay its players. It’s a lovely viscous circle… players compare their salaries to Sualli and want more, agents tell ARU that NRL teams are making offers, ARU have to increase their offer…. Beautiful
 

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