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NRL may follow big eight rugby unions with player ban
By AAP
The NRL will seek legal advice on what sanctions it can impose on any player who defects to sign with rebel rugby union competition R360.
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NRL bosses met with club counterparts via a teleconference on Friday morning, with the threat of R360 the main point of discussion.
The clubs have been keen for the NRL to consider action against any player who leaves for the proposed competition, as well as agents who drive their clients towards the league.
One option remains the possibility of blocking players from returning to the NRL if they do leave for R360.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys will now take the matter to the commission, with legal advice to be sought.
An official position from the NRL is likely to be decided within weeks, with the clubs supporting head office on the matter.
Questions also linger over whether different action is available over players who break contracts to join the league compared to those who leave when free agents.
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Sources have told AAP there remains some scepticism among NRL clubs regarding the viability of the breakaway league, but there is also a level of alertness.
V’landys has also rubbished the competition, questioning its financial security and warning players who join are taking a significant risk.
But there is also an acceptance from clubs that there is a genuine threat that needs deterrence, with several players having spoken to the breakaway competition.
Included among those are the likes of Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, NSW State of Origin star Zac Lomax and former Dally M Medallist Roger Tuivsasa-Sheck.
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Brisbane powerhouse Payne Haas has also drawn the attention of R360 officials, along with rising South Sydney star Jye Gray and departing Melbourne prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Jillaroos star Jess Sergis has also been linked to the competition, but bristled at the suggestion of it when asked last week.
Under the R360 proposal, six men’s teams and four women’s teams would feature in the inaugural competition next October.
Players would be drawn in with lucrative multi-million-dollar contracts, with events played around the globe
The number of sides would grow over time, with franchises based in cities such as London, Madrid and Miami.
Players could choose where they live, and would be registered to the UAE rugby federation, with claims of potential tax breaks.
Parramatta halfback Mitch Moses this week conceded players would be drawn to the competition, with the Eels open to considering a release for Lomax if he requests one.
“Any time that money is being tossed around (it’s a lure),” Moses said.
“Especially if players have done a lot in the game already and want to get their pay day. It’s up to them.
“It will obviously be tough on rugby league if it happens and we lose a couple of our big names, but we’ll survive.”
The NRL’s stance comes after Rugby Australia declared this week it would block any player who joins R360 from representing the Wallabies.
The same stance has also been taken from the rugby unions of New Zealand, South Afirca, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy.