NRL NRL 2025 General Recruitment Thread

[Rick O’Shay]

You could argue that each R360 match is just entertainment of a sporting nature. After all, what is sport?
The matches could be considered like a Swifty concert at each venue.

 

[snake77]

‘They don’t invest in pathways or the development of players — they simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves. They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.’ - Peter V’landys

Kind of agree. They are claiming R360 isn’t a sanctioned sport is unsanctioned by any creditable sporting body therefore illegal, a rip off, a counterfeit and unauthorised, to justify the ban.

And it’s kind of right, just like a pirate they are stealing the best without contributing to the development of the players, sport. The NRL could double all players pay and cease all development, defund the pathways, NSW cup, jersey Flegg, etc but as a legitimate sporting body, it must do all these things that an unsanctioned code, cutting corners doesn’t do.

I think the ban is justified and would stand up to legal scrutiny in that R360 is unsanctioned.

The unsanctioned part is an interesting angle. More that, it is an unsanctioned competition as union itself is recognised as a sport in the countries where franchises are based.

Steve Mascord used to write a lot about travelling around the world to watch rugby league. He would also write about the issues rugby league would have getting established in different countries. As some would argue as it isn't in the Olympics or played in x number of countries (hazy on the exact criteria) that rugby league wasn't a recognised sport.

He had articles on players getting arrested, an official getting arrested as he was using the word "rugby" to promote the sport. I think he also had articles on South Africa trying to stop rugby league due to the criteria above.

UAE RL boss arrested in bitter code battle | Love Rugby League

RUGBY league players in the United Arab Emirates have been told the league president Sol Mokdad has been arrested as part of a rugby union campaign to have the 13-man ...

www.loverugbyleague.com

The guy that got arrested I searched for and got the following. Sure, Wikipedia is not always reliable but still interesting.

United Arab Emirates national rugby league team - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There are a few more paragraphs before this. But it is weird seeing the Rugby Federation organising rugby league.

On May 20, Mokdad was released from prison and the charges brought by the UAERF dropped on the condition that he signed a document stating that he would have no future involvement in the administration of rugby league. In the meantime, the UAERF claimed ownership of rugby league and organized a rearranged date for the final of the Rugby League Cup, but the two finalists (Abu Dhabi Harlequins and Xodus Wasps) declined to participate, forcing the cancellation of the competition. On May 25, Mokdad was forced by the UAERF to issue a public statement relinquishing control of the sport to them and apologising and admitting his 'guilt' in organising a rugby league competition. UAE's affiliate membership of the Rugby League European Federation was cancelled on the same day.

 

[snake77]

Surely the legality would be determined by what is written in the NRL player contracts.

The November 1 does it specify other NRL clubs or other codes?
NRL players can talk with other clubs before November 1 to gauge interest but they can't offer contracts. Where does the letter of intent sit?

I'd say it would be a tough case for the NRL. But even if they lost the clubs can all agree not to sign the players back. How long that would last, likely not long if a struggling club feels that a few stars can turn things around.

One thing that annoyed me about SBW walking out on the Bulldogs was the comments that it's a rugby league contract it is worthless, or it doesn't matter as he's playing union now. If you had a contract to work a job in one industry, you can't decide to walk off to a contract in another industry and the first one doesn't count.

The contracts need to mean something. Yes, we have issues in general with clubs ditching players. But there is some protection with the RLPA agreement and ensuring the players' contract is paid out. If a player like Lomax, for example, gets a release, then I am fine with it. If they sign and walkout that is another issue.

 

[Naynay]

Ohh theres another top tier Rugby League competition they can go and play for?

Your previous employer cannot legally prevent you from working, its why restraint of trade clauses are getting tossed out of courts left right and center.

They arent stopping them from working tho, just saying you cant work for the nrl. They are free to sign with any competition that will take them.

Its like if you quit your job and sue your old boss for not hiring you back later.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

It’s like if you quit your job and sue your old boss for not hiring you back later.

No it’s not. The players play for a club and the clubs aren’t banning anyone. Also if there is no alternative employment then the NRL are effectively stopping you from working.

These are all tested legal reasonings that are available to check online, restraint of trade is a real issue.