The National Rugby League Board has unanimously reinforced the view that clubs could not release players for ‘guest contracts’ to rival codes either directly or by creating off-season ‘windows’ between contracts.<br /><br />While the Board accepted any player’s individual right to change codes, there remained a clear view that a player had to fully commit to one code or another at any given time.<br /><br />“In essence the Board’s view is that Rugby League is not a part-time occupation,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said Monday.<br /><br />“The game and its commercial partners invest millions of dollars each year in creating an environment that is unmatched in intensity and excitement.<br /><br />“You can’t maintain that while allowing rival codes, rival sponsors and rival networks to market NRL players at the same time. <br /><br />“The Board feels that there can be no question, therefore, that the NRL has a clear stake in this issue.<br /><br />“We also have to be careful not to allow managers and clubs to open artificial arrangements that circumvent the salary cap.”<br /><br />The NRL Board today also endorsed the progress of the ‘two-referee’ model being introduced in the 2009 Telstra Premiership.<br /><br />It said that the progress of the model through the trials had been extremely positive to date.<br />
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
