The idea is getting some traction in the media. Todd Greenberg's response about it is rather limp though. His comment 'If that’s a discussion that players would like to have with us' suggests nothing will happen.
Transfer period? NRL contract musical chairs has fans, pundits in a headspin
"Don’t fret. You’re certainly not alone.
The past week has rugby league punters and pundits in a frenzy, and it’s hard to remember which way is up.
Wests Tigers have a new coach. Des Hasler is sticking around. Cooper Cronk may or may not be hanging up the studs.
And on top of all that, no one seems to know what’s happening at Concord.
Thank goodness there’s a football game played occasionally to help distract us from the constant musical chairs that is the rugby league player market.
But, for the moment at least, the NRL ladder is taking a back seat to the comings and goings of players across the competition.
And while the ongoing news cycle is good news for journalists looking for a yarn, it’s got to be frustrating for the players and coaches trying to keep their focus between the goalposts.
It begs the question — would an NRL trade period serve the game better than the current set-up?
The AFL has a dedicated 10-day trade window in the off-season in which all player transfers must be completed.
It’s unlikely the NRL will adopt the same model, but it’s an argument that’s been raised again this week in light of the kerfuffle involving the Tigers’ four big-name players Mitchell Moses, Aaron Woods, Luke Brooks, and James Tedesco.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg said on Thursday he would be open to discussing the introduction of a trade period, but doesn’t think the players would bite.
“If that’s a discussion that players would like to have with us we’re open to it but they enjoy free-trade at the moment and that’s a big part of their negotiation,” Greenberg said.
“We’ve tinkered with it over a period of time to try and put some transparency into this space, and it’s never going to be a perfect science.”
Aside from the Tigers’ big guns, there’s the likes of Kieran Foran, Jack Bird, and now Cooper Cronk muddying the waters with uncertainty over their respective futures.
Wayne Bennett has admitted Anthony Milford’s on-field performances may be being effected by his ongoing contract negotiation at the Broncos.
Already since the start of the year we’ve seen — by our count — seven players jump ship from one NRL club to another with immediate effect.
Five others have signed for rival clubs while committing to playing out 2017 with their current team.
That’s not including Mitchell Moses who’s reportedly signed for Parramatta, or Jack Bird who is said to be on the verge of joining Newcastle.
Then there’s been defections to rugby and multiple retirements.
The rumour mill has Aaron Woods headed to Canterbury, James Tedesco headed to the Roosters, and Foran headed to any number of clubs that aren’t the Warriors.
OK, OK ... before our heads explode, check out the full list of done deals and off-contract players as it stands."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...n/news-story/9e3880735f411707b6983bf7eec455d3
