Super League set to extend marquee rule

Talks between Super League clubs are at an advanced stage to increase the number of marquee signings each club can have to three from the current two.

After a number of top quality signings in the off-season, officials at the RFL think that relaxing the rule further could see more stars like Blake Austin and Trent Merrin ply their trade in our premier domestic competition.

Speaking yesterday Super League Chief Exec Robert Elstone said: “There’s discussions, a number of clubs have talked about it, whether it’s ratified by all clubs,  we’ll see but it is on the agenda and clubs are aware of it.”

The feeling among clubs is that more top signings would increase the profile of the sport and make it easier to promote.

It’s been a stellar winter of signings with Leeds adding two marquee signings (Trent Merrin and Konrad Hurrell) and Warrington have signed Gareth Widdop for 2020 to play alongside Blake Austin.

Less than half of clubs use the marquee rule and Elstone is hoping this can be increased, there were a few clubs ready to make Widdop an offer aside from the Wolves.

Under the current rule each Super League club is permitted to have two marquee players whose Salary Cap value is limited to £150,000 (or £75,000 if club trained).