This was published 7 years ago
Bold proposal to introduce transfer windows to NRL
By Adrian Proszenko
Melbourne CEO Dave Donaghy has urged the NRL to consider introducing transfer windows to help regulate and commercialise player movement across the game.
The governing body and the Rugby League Players Association are in the process of negotiating a contracting system as part of collective bargaining agreement negotiations. The issue is a topical one given the number of players – including Mitchell Moses, Te Maire Martin, Nate Myles, Robbie Rochow, Shaun Fensom, Dale Copley, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak and Adam Clydesdale – who have switched clubs mid-season. Under the current system, player movement is haphazard and can happen any time up until June 30.
Donaghy, at the helm of one of the most professionally run clubs in Australian sport, believes the introduction of several transfer windows across the season would further engage league fans.
"For a long time the argument has been that players and clubs aren't agile enough to cope with such a system but, in my humble opinion, I'd suggest they are," Donaghy said.
Mid-season move: Mitchell Moses is one of several players to have switched clubs during 2017.Credit: Nathan Hopkins
"It's a discussion we should be having as a game. One of the great motivators is that it would be a great commercial product. It's not just one, there could be opportunities across the course of the season whereby clubs could sit down and look at their needs, be that pre-season, Origin period or post-season.
"It retains the free agency environment, which I believe is a positive for us, but also provides a bit more regulation.
"It's a potential asset for the game to commercialise for its benefit."
A transfer window would prevent clubs from stockpiling players they had no intention of using, while assisting clubs short on depth in a position to bolster their squad. A more formalised system would also allow the NRL to turn transfer windows into events in much the same way as the AFL does with its draft.
Several NRL coaches, including Wayne Bennett, Shane Flanagan and Ivan Cleary, have previously spoken in favour of a such a system.
The rugby league player market never rests, with Donaghy giving the example of the Storm being deep in negotiations with a player agent about a potential signing on Christmas Eve.
"This industry is so intense and consuming at all levels that we need to look at ways to create greater efficiencies and professionalism in this space," he said.
"There are plenty of models you could look at, whether it be American sports like NBA or the European soccer transfer windows.
"Globally, we certainly wouldn't be unique in opening that debate around whether it's something we want for our game."
Under the RLPA's contracting proposal, clubs would be required to contract a minimum of 21 players by November 1 and 29 players by March 1, leaving one spot available up until June 30. Clubs would also have three to six development-list players – on a minimum salary of $60,000 plus match fees – on their books.
Donaghy is hopeful there is time to review the transfer window proposal either before or during the course of the next CBA.
"There are periods where you've got injuries or guys that may not be in favour," Donaghy explained.
"A series of transfer windows across the course of the year would work well at a practical level in terms of managing your list. It's a new way for our game to engage with our members and fans.
"The scale that our game operates across this country on social media platforms is significant and that would be enormously appealing for respective game partners and media partners.
"It's something I think would work with our game."