The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has warned players and agents that they could be banned for 10 years from the NRL for entering into negotiations with R360 officials. The breakaway rugby competition is actively trying to recruit some of the biggest names in the 15-man code as well as the NRL, with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax among the most high-profile league stars being linked with a lucrative switch.
Lomax is still contracted with Parramatta for another three seasons until the end of 2028, while Papenhuyzen is signed at the Storm until the end of next season, with a mutual option for 2027. Both players are represented by former NRL star Clinton Schifcofske, who also looks after Rabbitohs livewire Jye Gray – another player being heavily linked with R360.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo (L) and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys have warned that players and agents face 10-year bans if they enter into discussions with R360. Pic: Getty
The threat of the rebel rugby competition seems to be growing by the day, and the prospect of multi-million dollar pay days is an obvious temptation for many NRL stars. But at an ARLC meeting on Wednesday – and off the back of legal advice – the Commission released a statement warning of serious sanctions for any NRL stars or accredited agents who look to defect to the breakaway rugby competition.
“Any NRL Player who negotiates, signs, or enters into a Letter of Intent, Playing Contract, or any other form of agreement – whether verbal or written – with a football competition, league, or organisation not recognised by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) as a national sporting federation, will be banned from participation in the NRL and any ARLC-sanctioned competitions for a period of ten (10) years,” the ARLC statement read.
The Commission said the bans would also apply to any NRL-accredited player agents who help facilitate a switch to R360 for players through dealings with rugby powerbrokers. “Any NRL Accredited Player Agent who acts for, assists, represents, or advises a player in any capacity in relation to dealings with, or the signing of, a Letter of Intent or Playing Contract with a football competition that is not recognised by the ARLC as a national sporting federation, will be subject to the same ten (10) year ban from NRL-related activities, including accreditation renewal,” according to the statement.
R360 accused of trying to ‘exploit’ NRL and its rich talent pool
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has been an outspoken critic of the rebel rugby competition and its lack of a proper business model, insisting that R360 is simply not sustainable long-term. And the league boss hit out again in a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday, accusing R360 of trying to ‘exploit’ the professionalism of the NRL and its rich pool of talent.
Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen are two of the biggest NRL stars that have been linked to a switch to the R360 competition. Pic: Getty
“The Commission has a clear duty to act in the best interests of Rugby League and its fans – and we will take all necessary steps to protect the future of the game,” V’landys said in the statement. “Unfortunately, there will always be organisations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain.
“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. Accordingly, if it all goes wrong it’s the players who suffer most. Every stakeholder must be accountable to the standards our fans expect. We’ve listened to our Clubs, and we’ve acted decisively.”
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NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says the league also backs the bombshell sanctions being proposed by the ARLC and insists all 17 NRL clubs are united in their opposition of R360. “This policy reflects the united stance of the Commission and NRL Clubs. We will not allow unrecognised competitions to undermine the integrity, professionalism, and future of rugby league,” he said.