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.

 

[Naynay]

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.

their are no restriction of trades being applied here however, there are no non-competes, confidentiality clauses or non-solicitations being put in place (these are all legal in Australia anyway), again no one has a right to get a job in their chosen field just because. No legal system would at its current iteration would enforce the nrl to employee them, it would open the door to empowering workers more then they would be comfortable with.

We can move to a discussion about the power inbalance between workers and corporations in our capitalist system as that is probably more relevant to this matter

 

[MrFrankWhite]

their are no restriction of trades being applied here however,

If you are an NRL player and the NRL bans you for having a discussion with R360, has your trade been restricted or not?

there are no non-competes, confidentiality clauses or non-solicitations being put in place (these are all legal in Australia anyway)

It’s a class in contact law, these have been overturned multiple times recently and Australia is moving to ban them.

Are non-compete clauses still legally enforceable? - Art & Commerce

The Australian government has signaled that non-compete clauses will be abolished for millions of Australian workers. Often described as a ‘grey area’ of commercial and employment law, below… <a href="https://www.artcomlaw.au/articles/are-non-compete-clauses-still-legally-enforceable/"...

www.artcomlaw.au

again no one has a right to get a job in their chosen field just because.

Completely wrong. Professional registration organisation get taken to court all the time.

No legal system would at its current iteration would enforce the nrl to employee them

Again completely wrong, it’s not forcing the NRL to employee anyone, it’s preventing them from banning players for spurious reasons. With your logic the NRL could ban gay and black players.

 

[Wrighty]

Nelson Asofa-Solomona considering bombshell career change

He was released with two years left on his contract.

www.zerotackle.com

NAS considering boxing

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Nelson Asofa-Solomona considering bombshell career change

He was released with two years left on his contract.

www.zerotackle.com

NAS considering boxing

What's the current understanding of NAS's contract....are we still supposed to believe he's given up $850k for two years whilst still considering his options?

 

[Wrighty]

From code sport round one Warriors prediction

WARRIORS​

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Leka Halasima 13. Erin Clark. Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Morgan Gannon 17. Marata Niukore

NSW prop Mitch Barnett, who did his ACL in round 13, is hopeful of starting the season. Luke Metcalf, who did his ACL in round 17, is at longer odds with Tanah Boyd pencilled in at halfback for now. Leka Halasima is pushing for a starting back row role after playing mostly from the bench last season. Super League forward Morgan Gannon gets a spot in the 17 on the bench after signing from Leeds.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

What's the current understanding of NAS's contract....are we still supposed to believe he's given up $850k for two years whilst still considering his options?

My guess is a payout with an NDA

 

[Noitall]

Tom Trbojovich has apparently extended for 2027 at $900k

 

[Wrighty]

Tom Trbojovich has apparently extended for 2027 at $900k

Waste of Money - Manly embarrassed into it by the media. I think he has descended down to Will Kennedy levels.

 

[Wrighty]

Code Sports says
1) Dylan Brown shaping as 7 and Fletcher Sharpe 6 Pomga fullback and Phoenix Crossland hooker
2) Latrell to partner Wighton in the centres
3) Rooster spine 1 Tedesco 6 Sam Walker 7 DCE 9 Robson - going for the Burglar Spine to use a cricket expression
4) Raiders spine 1) Weekes 6) Ethan Strange 7) Ethan sanders 9) Starling Bench and a mystery whether Jayden Brailey makes the bench ahead of Owen Pattie - Both halves called the same first name. A first in NRL history ?

 

[Noitall]

Waste of Money - Manly embarrassed into it by the media. I think he has descended down to Will Kennedy levels.

A lot of clubs keeping an eye on Tolu Koula willing to play him fullback. Trbojovich might play centre with Lehi Hopoate preferred at fullback?

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Waste of Money - Manly embarrassed into it by the media. I think he has descended down to Will Kennedy levels.

At least Kennedy plays most of his games.

 

[Noitall]

michael_chammas Melbourne Storm young gun Jonah Pezet will decide on his future in the next week as he weighs up lucrative offers from the Parramatta Eels, North Queensland Cowboys, and his
incumbent club. He has narrowed his decision to three clubs as he heads off today on
a family holiday and some thinking time.

 

[Noitall]

From SMH- Matterson is on a deal worth around $600,000 in 2026, but the Eels are willing to contribute around $300,000 of his salary if he finds a new home. The Gold Coast Titans held a discussion with Matterson in recent weeks, but have decided against pursuing his signature

 

[Wah's Up]

‘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.

No case law to support that theory so would need a bright Lawyer to set precedent.

 

[Wah's Up]

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.

Its all entertainment and "Gambling" (Throw in another Christian) in Caesar's day.