Abdo Keen on NRL Player Transfer System

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo has stated that a new player transfer system may be implemented in 2023. 

Peter V’landys has previously come forward saying that there is an imbalance in the league due to this current system.

There have been debates around players who sign with a rival club yet remain on their current team until their contract has ended. 

More than a dozen players have already agreed to sign with a new team in the 2023 season, with the Dolphins as the main culprit.

Both the Paramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm have more than 4 registered players on their side that have signed elsewhere after the end of the season.

Many fans and clubs are frustrated with this system and believe that a transfer window is needed.

Related: 2022 NRL Squads and Player Movements

“Our current arrangements with the players, with broadcasters and with the club funding model, it moves in cycles,” Abdo said.

“We’re entering a new cycle, the end of the 2022 season will represent the end of that cycle. So, as we enter into the new period as of 2023 onwards, we have an opportunity to have a new system in place.

“So, I think things will be different from next year. What exactly they look like I can’t tell you just yet.”

Previously Abdo had stated that the league was considering implementing two transfer windows, one after the State of Origin and the other after the season has ended.

In a recent survey conducted by the Daily Telegraph with assistants and coaches 77% said the league was in needed this transfer window.

This new system could benefit the leagues integrity, making fans happier, and allowing players to start their next chapter as soon as possible.