ARLC to discuss NRL salary cap relief to attract rugby stars – report

Days after it was revealed that Wallabies star Mark Nawaqanitawase was set to meet with the Sydney Roosters, Rugby Australia could be hit with another major blow from the NRL according to a report.

The Sydney Morning Herald understands the Australian Rugby League Commission are set to “discuss” a game-changing salary cap relief for athletes from rival codes.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys spoke about this in April, telling the SMH that, “If a Wallaby or an All Black wanted to come over, we’d look at cap exemptions for sure.”

Wing Mark Nawaqanitawase is reportedly considering a code switch, with the 11-Test Wallaby expected to meet with Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and chairman Nick Politis.

Nawaqanitawase, who has been a shining light throughout an otherwise tough year for Australia, will come off contract with the New South Wales Waratahs and Rugby Australia at the end of 2024.

“I’d love to stay here as long as I can,” Nawaqanitawase told The Sydney Morning Herald after re-signing with Rugby Australia earlier this year.

“With certain circumstances, we had to agree on something. The one-year (contract extension) was the best thing at the time.

“Hopefully (I can) win a Super Rugby title with the Tahs and hopefully win a World Cup.

“In a perfect world, I’d like to stay (in rugby) but there’s always a but. There’s obviously other things out there that might interest me.”

The SMH also understands that NRL clubs are eager to sign rising star Max Jorgensen as well. Jorgensen, 19, was included in Australia’s World Cup squad but didn’t play due to injury.

Both players would be expected to have big futures in rugby union if they stay in the game, but the ARLC’s salary cap relief is a hammer blow. It’s believed that the relief could be up to $1 million.

The salary cap relief was initially supposed to encourage NRL clubs to sign rugby talent from South Africa and Argentina, and also the NFL in America.