The NRL is preparing to introduce strict new anti-tampering rules that could see clubs face salary cap penalties for publicly pursuing rival players before they officially become free agents.
In a major shake-up to the NRL’s contracting system, clubs and their officials will soon be banned from commenting on potential signings involving players who are still under contract.
The move aims to curb premature recruitment talk and protect player negotiations from external influence.
The change follows a turbulent year of contract drama, highlighted by Lachlan Galvin’s mid-season transfer from the Wests Tigers to the Canterbury Bulldogs while still contracted for another 17 months.
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Under current rules, NRL players and agents cannot negotiate with rival clubs until November 1 of their final contract year.
However, some clubs have continued to signal interest through the media well before that date, potentially sparking bidding wars and delaying re-signings.
To combat this, the NRL’s new anti-tampering policy will empower the league to fine or deregister officials who breach the regulations, alongside the threat of salary cap sanctions.
The revised rules have been developed in collaboration with the NRL Players’ Association (RLPA) as part of a review agreed to in the latest collective bargaining agreement.
Galvin’s move is not an isolated case, as clubs have publicly expressed interest in Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas for the 2027 season, despite the prop only becoming a free agent last weekend.
That is conduct that will be prohibited under the new policy.
Haas is yet to re-sign with Brisbane but is widely expected to remain in Queensland due to family ties.
Existing anti-tampering regulations will remain in place, including bans on negotiating with a player’s agent before their final contract year and on approaching rival clubs about potential player swaps without the player’s consent.
These rules will be enforced from December 1st this year.