Super League quota clarity expected as clubs wait on recruitment green light

Super League clubs find themselves in a difficult spot at present as they plan for next season and beyond.

A number of clubs have got deals over the line for next season, with Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity, Hull FC and Hull KR among those to have completed pieces of business. But when it comes to further retention and recruitment, most clubs find themselves waiting for news on changes that have been proposed.

Alterations to the overseas quota rule have been mooted for much of this season with suggestions earlier in the campaign being that those players who have been in Super League for a certain amount of time could come off quota. However, now it looks as though the number of quota spots available to each team is about to be increased.

At present, clubs can have seven overseas players on their books, but that could be raised to eight, nine or potentially even 10 in a bid to strengthen the Super League player pool.

The uncertainty means clubs have been slower than usual to act in the recruitment market and as the second half of the campaign begins to take shape, most are now patiently waiting to learn what they can and can’t do before pulling the trigger on deals that will have been lined up.

The same can be said when it comes to retention, with teams reaching a point where they are struggling to commit one or way or the other until they have clarity on the situation.

A regulatory meeting was held in April to discuss the possibility of changes, with Super League clubs airing their initial views. However, the expectation is that further clarity will come in July with an RL Council meeting scheduled.

That get together, which takes place on Tuesday, July 15, in Wakefield, provides the perfect opportunity for the quota situation to be discussed with a final agreement set to be reached.

Of course, the rise in quota spots will prevent Super League clubs from having to blood youngsters before they’re ready and the hope is that it lead to a rise in the standard of the competition. However, one drawback is that an increase in foreign imports could well hinder the development of youngsters, who could find themselves rooted behind more experienced overseas players.