NRL clubs poised to launch Wallabies raid post-World Cup with new broadcast deal creating $15m war chest
The NRL is set to attack a 60-player expansion void with the biggest financial weapon in its history - leaving the Wallabies helpless in the firing line. With cashed-up clubs ready to lure code converts, we reveal the targets.
Cashed-up NRL clubs – with a potential salary cap of a whopping $15m a year – are poised to acquire the extra players needed through expansion by targeting Wallabies players post-World Cup with massive contract offers.
Perth Bears’ 2027 entrance and
PNG’s inclusion a year later means the NRL must find another 60 quality players, probably more, to ensure games are being played to the elite level demanded by broadcasters.
So where will these players come from?
Bulldog’s Bite spoke with various club CEO’s who insisted Wallabies players, primarily outside backs, now earning around $400,000 to $500,000 a year could switch to rugby league for fat $800,000 per season contracts.
Super Rugby players on the fringe of Test selection are only pocketing between $180,000 and $250,000 annually. The money on offer from the NRL may be too irresistible for our rah-rah friends.
NRL clubs are currently operating under a salary cap of $12m but club CEO’s predict that could increase to $15m following the next broadcast deal after 2027.
The success of Will Warbrick (Melbourne Storm) and
Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters) has only increased the appetite for rugby union players among NRL talent scouts. Gold Coast’s Carter Gordon, a former Wallaby, has been struck down by injury.
I’m told Wallaby players Corey Toole, Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright would be equally effective in the NRL as Warbrick and Nawaqanitawase. Wright previously played for Manly while Jorgensen considered a switch to the Roosters last year. Jorgensen is the son of former NRL player, Peter.
Most rugby union outside backs are now big, strong, fast and prepared for the brutality of an NRL hit-up, rather than just kicking the ball like previous generations.
NRL clubs would struggle to lure union players before 2027 when the World Cup is held in Australia. It’s post-World Cup that will be interesting because there’s only a handful of Wallaby players on contract after 2027 and the lure of a home World Cup and British Lions tour will have passed.
Of course that’s the same year as the new NRL television deal.
Jorgensen is off contract after the World Cup while Wright, regarded among the top five fullbacks in world rugby, may force Joseph Suaalii - the $6m man - into the centres.
Overseas rugby union markets in England, Japan and France are stricter these days with the number of imports with clubs opting for All Blacks or South Africa players.
The Bears have already forecast a possible intrusion into Argentinian and South African rugby union.
Two Pumas who could be targeted by NRL clubs are outside backs Marcos Moneta and Mateo Carreras while Springboks stars who could consider a code switch are Canan Moodie and Gino Cupido. All are young and fast.
Moneta was World Rugby’s men’s sevens player of the year in 2021 while Carreras is a strong Pumas fullback. Moodie, 22, is seen as the next big thing in South Africa while Cupido, just 19, has enormous raw potential. They could all earn more cash in the NRL than South Africa rugby.
The tight five in rugby union wouldn’t really be options for NRL clubs.
Rugby union may not be the only avenue to help fill rugby league’s 60 player void with NRL recruitment managers claiming clubs may need to recycle older players.
The NRL allows 30 players in each club’s top squad but clubs believe they need around 36 players a year to combat strict concussion protocols.
Every English rugby league player wants to play NRL but, generally, Australian clubs would only want a player who has contested around 100 Super League games, to ensure a hardened edge.
Cagey British clubs also tend to lockdown rising stars long-term before asking NRL clubs wanting their stars for a hefty transfer fee.
Some development managers insist the players are right here in Australia. The NRL secondary cap sits around $750,000 but could be increased to $950,000, easing restrictions clubs face in elevating young players into the senior systems.
Some clubs claim the talent is here but there isn’t enough room in the secondary cap for kids to go full-time.
“The solution is in our backyard. We just need to clean it up and get it ready for the party,” said one development officer.
“To say there’s not enough players is misinformed. We should be cherrypicking our good young kids. The talent is there – we just have to open the door.”
Others point out that the AFL, with more teams, doesn’t look overseas for player talent, preferring to implement training programs. The Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions have never been stronger.
But union will be the primary focus.
They say rugby union is the game they play in heaven but league’s mighty money may well be heaven sent.
