Cherry-Evans says players may allow NRL trade changes

The NRL’s plan to change transfer windows appears likely to be given the green light after players’ union president Daly Cherry-Evans revealed his association would be willing to accept an overhaul of the contracting system.

The outcome of pay talks between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is now five months overdue, with officials from both sides attempting to nut out the final details.

There remains hope a deal could soon be finalised, with transfer windows and agreement on an above-forecast revenue model among the last remaining hurdles.

Under current rules, players are able to sign with rival clubs throughout the final year of their contract, meaning a deal for 2025 could be signed as early as November 1, 2023.

The players have long declared they want to keep that system, with the argument it offers security and reduces the risk of a long-term injury to an off-contract player costing them a year’s salary.

The NRL, however, are keen to tighten the timeline, telling the RLPA they are concerned by the optics of players signing for rival clubs so far in advance.

The league first proposed players would not be able to sign elsewhere for the following season until after the relevant year’s grand final, later revising the offer to no deals before June 30.

In the latest proposal, players with six years’ experience would still be free to negotiate from a year out out on November 1, while players with three-to-five years could sign elsewhere from April.

Rookies with less than two years of NRL experience would have to wait until June 30 to talk to rivals, giving clubs more chance to decide if they want to keep their young talent.

Cherry-Evans said players were willing to approve the move.

“Throughout the whole process players have always been willing to negotiate on anything that pops up in the CBA,” he told AAP.

“It’s like any negotiation, you have to give a bit to get a bit.

“If you’re going to give up something like that, which is our rights to move job. It’s a pretty big one.

“For us to give up some of that flexibility, you want to give a bit to get a bit.

“But as a playing group we have definitely spoken about moving on it, for the greater good of getting the deal done.”

Asked if that meant allowing the NRL to introduce some form of transfer window, Cherry-Evans confirmed that was the case.

“In consultation with the RLPA, of course, we would be willing to do something,” he said.

AAP has been told the players’ union has had some success in raising the minimum wage for top-30 players, with the figure likely to grow above the $120,000 proposed in the NRL’s figures last December, despite opposition from clubs.