Super League clubs’ pursuit of NRL targets dealt huge blow

For weeks now the CBA negotiations in Australia have ensured that the NRL could not settle on a new salary cap.

This came as former Hull KR player Clint Newton as President of the Players Association (RLPA) continued to try and ensure the best for players including an increased minimum wage within the NRL.

However, now the new salary cap in the NRL has been confirmed as $12.1 million with $11.45 million allocated for the club’s top 30 players.

This equates to an overall cap of $6.7 million and a top 30 cap of £6.3 million.

It finally gives clubs the certainty required to nail down their transfer targets and the players they wish to retain which is bad news for Super League clubs who had been monitoring the situation of a couple of NRL stars without clubs hoping to exploit the uncertainty down under by offering clubs security.

The players who were most likely to make a Super League switch because of the cap were Marty Taupau and winger Josh Mansour who has been open about his willingness to make a Super League move in the past.

Both do not have clubs for 2023 despite interest from Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters respectively.

The cap prevented them from making any moves opening the door for Super League clubs to begin their pursuit.

Now that door is closing with NRL clubs now capable of making their moves.

The likes of Catalans Dragons – in need of a prop and a centre and likely had a watchful eye on Taupau – and Leigh Leopards – in need of a middle and a winger thus were likely watching both – both have quota spots as do the Salford Red Devils.