The NRL market is about to experience its own end of financial year sale as clubs splurge over the next two weeks to ensure they are cap compliant.
Under the new contracting model, clubs must finalise their top-30 lists by June 30, with up to a dozen spots across the league still up for grabs. The decisions made over the next fortnight will go a long way towards ensuring the clubs meet their obligation of spending at least 95 per cent of their salary cap for the season.
In limbo: Aaron Woods could be on the way out of Canterbury.
Photo: NRL Photos
Several clubs have some big decisions to make in the next two weeks. The Tigers and Sharks want Moses Mbye and Aaron Woods respectively to shift immediately. Releasing the pair would provide the Bulldogs with some salary cap space, but they are already cap compliant and wont be heavily subsidising their freight.
While about half a dozen clubs have completed their top-30 rosters, another half dozen have a spot to fill and the remainder have two spots still open. Some lower-grade players will be rewarded with promotions, while some teams may bring in reinforcement with whatever money they still have available.
“Clubs are required to have their list of 30 contracted players finalised by end of June as part of the revised model that has been introduced under the new CBA,” said RLPA chief operating officer Tim Lythe.
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“Beyond that, it is also compulsory that clubs spend at least 95 per cent of the salary cap on their top-30 list during the season.
“This new system balances the interests of the clubs and players by providing flexibility to contract players up until June 30, while also providing a level of transparency and security for our members.
“The contracting deadlines allow clubs to assess the make-up of their squad and which players they want to bring into their top-30 list. That is balanced against having a specific date by which contracting must be completed in order to provided players with certainty regarding where they sit within in a clubs playing roster.”
Samoa makes a bold play for 'RTS'
Samoa has made an audacious attempt to bring Roger Tuivasa-Sheck into the fold for the upcoming representative round.
Tuivasa-Sheck has made 16 appearances for New Zealand and is a certain selection for the Denver Test against England after being named to make his return against the Cowboys this weekend. However, the 25 year old was born in Samoa and has been given the opportunity to be the latest Kiwi defector after Jason Taumalolo, Manu Mau, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and David Fusitu'a pledged their allegiance to Tonga.
“Ive spoken to him,” said Samoa coach Matt Parish.
“Theres always hope. Hes Samoan, and we would love to him him. But whatever way he goes, its his decision and well respect it.
“Id imagine he would be considering it, but hes represented New Zealand and nobody would begrudge him doing that again
“As much as we would like to have him, hes been a great player for the Warriors and the Kiwis in the past and certainly wouldnt hold it against him if he wanted to stay."
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire will be naming a new-look side for the United States international after Ben Matulino, Simon Mannering and Russell Packer retired from representative football.
Greenberg lets cricket job go through to the 'keeper
NRL boss Todd Greenberg has distanced himself from the top job at Cricket Australia, declaring he has unfinished business in rugby league.
Greenberg has been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace James Sutherland when he steps aside in a year's time, although the CA board has indicated it will likely hire from inside cricket. In any case, the former Bulldogs boss has told ARL Commissoin chairman Peter Beattie he isnt going anywhere.
“What Im saying is that Im fully committed to my role here and Ive made some commitments to both Peter and the commission that I will completely see through,” Greenberg said.
“Ill be here in rugby league. I havent put a timeframe on it but there is still a lot of work still to do. Weve only just started the new broadcast deal. I want to make sure we set it up for the long-term future. Its going to take a lot of years to do that.”
Petero still hoping Fiji can make the grade
Fiji is still holding out some hope they will stump up the cash required to enter the NSW Cup competition next year.
We reported on the weekend that the odds are stacked against Fiji to produce the bank cheque to the NSWRL before Mondays deadline, but bid chief Petero Civoniceva remains upbeat.
“Ive got a couple of things on the go at the moment that can hopefully bring some positive news,” Civoniceva said.
“Were waiting to hear back. Ive been at this for four years and Im not going away. Well keep moving as the deadline approaches. Were doing everything in our power to meet that deadline.
“Weve got a couple of [financial backing] candidates that are showing great interest and are close.”
The legendary Brisbane and Australian prop is trying to get the Fiji government and private investors on board before Mondays deadline expires.
“The Fiji government supports a Super Rugby game that they pay $3 million for, for just one game,” he said.
“Id like to think what we offer – 12 home games in Fiji – would create spinoffs and provide a return for investment. We need that corporate support that is heavily geared towards rugby union.”
Tipping a winner has never been harder
If youre struggling to pick a winning in your tipping competition, youre not alone.
If in doubt, you can normally back the favourite, but this season has officially been the most unpredictable in more than a decade.
According to the TAB, there have been 44 upsets from 108 matches so far this year, meaning the outsider gets up 41 per cent of the time. Its the highest percentage ever, up from the 38 per cent mark set in 2015.
Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.
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