NRL club bosses call for meeting with Graham Annesley over frustrations with rule changes | Sport Confidential
Furious club bosses have called for a meeting with NRL head of football Graham Annesley in two weeks, as they look to vent their frustrations over recent rule changes and the speed of the game.
Brent Read and
Michael Carayannis
Club bosses want NRL head of football Graham Annesley and head of pathways and performance Brock Schaefer to attend their next meeting as they look to vent their frustrations over the speed of the game and injuries resulting from fatigue.
Sport Confidential understands they also want some answers regarding the scheduling of the additional game that will be played next season when the competition expands to 18 teams with the addition of Perth.
The more pressing issue is the speed of the game, the proliferation of six-agains and rising injury fears, which led club officials to seek an urgent meeting with the NRL to address the matter.
NRL club bosses will demand a meeting with the likes of NRL head of football Graham Annesley over their frustrations with rule changes. Picture: Getty Images
It was initially suggested they discuss the issue at Magic Round but there was a view that it needed to be addressed as soon as possible. Therefore, Annesley and Schaefer plan to attend their next meeting in a fortnight.
This masthead on Wednesday morning revealed
the impact the rule changes were having on games this season – the competition is averaging 50 points per match through six rounds, which would be the highest on record if it continues down the current path.
One chief executive who spoke to Sport Confidential on Wednesday said that the clubs harboured deep concerns over changes that had been made given the NRL was coming off one of the most exciting – and watched – seasons in the code’s history.
Club bosses also want some clarity over the consistency of six-again calls and the impact they are having on the outcome of games.
INTERNATIONAL IMMORTALS IN THE WORKS
International Rugby League will have its own Immortals-like concept.
The decision to launch the International Rugby League Hall Of Legends was made at the IRL board meeting in Singapore this week with the induction of the first batch of legends occurring during the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
“The International Rugby League Hall of Legends has been a missing piece for the international game,” said IRL Chair Troy Grant.
The International Rugby League is set to open their own Hall of Fame. Picture: Getty Images
“A lot of our countries do it well in honouring legends of the game, with Immortals, Hall of Fame and other formats across the world.
“We are the owners of the international game and it has been a gap in our history that we don’t have an established Hall of Legends.
“People love for the heritage of international rugby league, the old Kangaroo tours and iconic moments in international rugby league history, and with the growth of the game now, it is our chance to finally acknowledge some of the legends who helped ensure international rugby league is the pinnacle of our game.”
Hall of Legends will be chosen at each World Cup from this year with men, women and wheelchair players eligible.
A judging panel will be established shortly.
BILLY’S INJURY BLOW
Sydney Rooster centre Billy Smith underwent minor knee surgery to repair his injury. Smith has not played since hurting his knee against Manly in round four. Prior to that he missed two games because he fell off his e-bike.
He has been named on an extended squad this weekend to take on the Knights.
Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith has had minor knee surgery. Picture: Jane Dempster/Daily Telegraph.
FOZBALL FIRING
Kieran Foran can be the first Manly coach since Peter Sharp (1999) to win their first three games in charge. Sharp’s third win came against the Cowboys – the side Foran’s team faces on Thursday night.
The Manly interim is also aiming to become the first mid-season coach to win his opening three games since Brad Fittler did with the Roosters in 2007. Fittler did not lose a match until his sixth with his opening three wins followed by a draw and another victory.
Interim Manly head coach Kieran Foran could become the first Sea Eagles coach to win their first three games since 1999. Picture: Getty Images
SHOOSH
Which club senior executive was forced to spend a night in the Qantas Lounge after his flight to Perth was diverted to Adelaide? The mechanical issue led to the flight being changed. And because of the AFL’s Gather Round there was no accommodation left in the city.
On this day 10 years ago, then refs boss Tony Archer hit back at critics and defended the bunker.
FLASHBACK
Some things change, others stay the same. The bunker was under fire on this day 10 years ago but there was not a disruptor in sight. Instead then referees boss Tony Archer defended the $2 million bunker declaring it as an “overall success” despite criticism surrounding some decisions.
STAT ATTACK
The Dragons – already in the midst of their own record breaking losing streak – have not beaten the Rabbitohs in their past eight matches at Accor Stadium. South Sydney host St George Illawarra at the venue on Saturday night with the Dragons having an awful record at the Sydney Olympic Park stadium.
Their last win against South Sydney at the venue came in 2013 and their last victory against anyone at Accor Stadium was against the Bulldogs in 2019. Overall they have lost their past six games at the ground.
The Dragons haven’t won at Accor Stdaium since 2019. Picture: Getty Images
BEARS NO-SHOW
The Perth Bears are in for a tough time with the local press who failed to cover the double header in its Sunday newspaper. There was literally zero coverage of the two matches played at Optus Stadium in the Sunday Times.
AFL naturally dominated the sports paged including the local competition. Their website did have two match reports written by a local reporter.
SMITH DIGS IN FOR ANOTHER FIGHT
Fox League caller Warren Smith has undergone another bout of
surgery on his throat as he continues his fight to return to the airwaves in coming months.
Smith, one of the most revered and respected callers in rugby league, was hoping to be back on air in April but has been forced to delay his return until later in the year after doctors were concerned with some of his regrown tissue.
Smith had already undergone laser treatment after he was diagnosed at the end of last season with laryngeal carcinoma in situ – in laymen’s terms, he had precancerous lesions on his voice box.
Fox Sports commentator Warren Smith has undergone another round of surgery on his throat. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Daily Telegraph.
The latest surgery involved doctors slicing some of the tissue away. Smith has been told not to speak while he recovers from surgery but he sent a text to Sport Confidential confirming that he was as determined as ever to make a comeback later this year.
“Got a heap of therapy and exercises in front of me, but I’m feeling good about it – reckon we’re on the right track,” he wrote.
SU’A SIGNING MEANS TUILAGI ON THE SEARCH
Parramatta’s decision to sign Jaydn Su’A to a lucrative three-year deal is set to come at the expense of fellow back rower Kelma Tuilagi.
Sport Confidential understands that Tuilagi has begun exploring his options at rival clubs given Su’A’s imminent arrival and the presence of back rower Kitione Kautoga, who is contracted for at least one more year.
Kelma Tuilagi could be forced out of Parramatta, as the Eels chase Jaydn Su’A. Picture: Getty Images
The 27-year-old Tuilagi has made three appearances for the Eels this season including a man of the match display against the Brisbane Broncos in round two where he helped himself to two tries.
That was one of only two games the Eels have won this season. The Eels have a handful of players coming off contract at the end of this season including Dylan Walker, Joash Papalii, Ronald Volkman, Ryan Matterson and Junior Paulo.
The Eels are locked in talks with Paulo over a contract extension and remain confident that they will get a deal done.
TIMOKO TO GO?
Canberra centre Matt Timoko is being monitored by a handful of clubs as he weighs up whether to take up an option with the Raiders or seek greener pastures
Timoko was a fixture in the Raiders’ NRL side last year but has struggled to force his way into the side this year, with Simi Sasagi preferred in the centres.
Rival clubs are looking at Raiders centre Matt Timoko. Picture: Getty Images
Timoko has a mutual option with the Raiders for next season. It is understood the club may let their option lapse but Timoko still has an option in his favour should he decide to take it up.
The alternative is to go to the market and see what the alternatives are. It is understood he is on the radar of the Perth Bears along with Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who is off contract and expected to leave the New Zealand club.
NRL CLUBS COULD LOSE MILLIONS IN TAX BATTLE
The NRL’s privately-owned clubs are at risk of losing millions as they wait for the Australian Taxation Office to make a ruling on whether they need to pay tax on their cut of the Papua New Guinea funding.
Sport Confidential can reveal that the NRL and a handful of their clubs have been locked in $20 million talks with the ATO as they await a decision that could strip millions from their bottom line.
The game’s existing clubs are due to receive $4 million in instalments after pledging their support to expansion into PNG – the first payment worth $1.75 million was paid last year.
South Sydney, who count Oscar winner Russell Crowe, Atlassian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes and James Packer among their ownership group, hinted at the delicate nature of the talks with the ATO in their financial report for 2025, which was recently lodged with ASIC.
The NRL’s privately owned clubs could lose millions, with the likes of Russell Crowe locked in delicate talks with the ATO. Picture: Getty Images
The Rabbitohs made an enormous profit of more than $2 million last season but tempered that result by saying they were awaiting a call from the ATO over their PNG handout.
“During the year, the club received a payment related to NRL Expansion Revenue,” the report read.
“The club has obtained external tax advice …. to confirm the appropriate tax treatment of this receipt.
“Based on advice received and the nature of the payment, the club considers the amount to be non-assessable for income tax purposes.
“However, as discussions with the relevant authorities are ongoing out of an abundance of caution the club has provided the appropriate income tax expense against this receipt.
“This approach will be reassessed once a definitive position is agreed.”
Aside from South Sydney, a handful of NRL clubs are privately owned. Manly are majority owned by Scott Penn, Melbourne’s leadership group includes wagering giant Matt Tripp, the Broncos are publicly listed and the Gordon family own 50 per cent of St George Illawarra.
And the Titans’ ownership group is leed by Rebecca and Brett Frizelle, with Fox League talents Matty Johns and Gorden Tallis also coming onboard recently.
BEARS SIGNING OUT OF SORTS
One of the Perth Bears most high-profile Super League recruits has been shipped out on loan in the latest blow to the fledgling club ahead of its inaugural season.
England centre Harry Newman hasn’t been able to crack it for a start with Leeds in recent weeks so they have agreed to send him on loan to fellow Super League side Hull FC.
Bears recruit Harry Newman has been struggling in the Super League, ahead of his move to Perth in 2027. Picture: Getty Images
Newman lost his place at Leeds to Cronulla premiership winner Jack Bird. The Newman news is the latest setback for the Bears as they deal with internal dramas and ongoing speculation over the future of key officials at the club.
Head of football David Sharpe survived a board meeting last Friday but Sport Confidential understands his future at the club is far from secure.
That, in turn, could have ramifications for coach Mal Meninga given Sharpe is among his closest confidantes and was believed to be his choice to head up their football department.
