Leeds Rhinos assistant coach Chev Walker has spoken out about the recent rulings to increase the quota rulings for 2026 and says how it could be “dangerous” to the game in the long term.
The rulings currently state that clubs are allowed seven overseas players, however for 2026 it is expected to increase to 10.
Walker, who is also the Rhinos’ reserves and academy head coach, works closely with the young talent coming through at Leeds, and said it will only hinder the next generation of English talent.
Walker’s reserve side has lost just once this year, and the Rhinos academy remains unbeaten in 2025, but it will count for very little if the clubs choose to pick overseas players over youngsters, and they don’t get an opportunity to progress at first-team level.
Speaking on the Leeds Rhinos Podcast, Walker said: “By raising that quota spot, I think it’s very risky… It’s short-term success, but I think it could be a hindrance to the game in the long run.”
He explained: “The concern for me is that the clubs in this country that have heavily invested in their academy have been successful. The four teams that have won the Grand Final have all, at some point, invested in their academies, and we don’t need to reinvent anything.”
Leeds Rhinos coach explains quota discontent
Wigan’s 2024 Grand Final win saw them field seven homegrown players in their 17. St Helens’ most recent Grand Final win saw them have nine players that came through their academy in the side. The model works, and if done correctly can lead to success and silverware.
The imminent arrival of two more NRL clubs in the next few years will also mean that the player pool will reduce, and more English talent will inevitably head to the NRL competition.
“It’s a dangerous thing that we are doing,” Walker said. “The NRL are getting two new franchises, and we now run the risk of our kids now going over there earlier knowing that they’re not going to be able to play Super League, but they might be able to play Queensland Cup and develop over that side of the world.”
Walker added: “I think it’s a little bit short-sighted, I think clubs should be producing their own or at least producing players for the game. If they can’t quite play at your club, they should be heavily produced by clubs for the good of the game here.”
