1
NRL to bend rules for Sonny Bill Williams and his Wolfpack teammates
By AAP
Sonny Bill Williams' return is another step closer with the ARL Commission open to considering exemptions for players to hold NRL and English Super League contracts at the same time. Under current rules players cannot be contracted to two clubs, and nor can they be loaned from the ESL to NRL clubs.
That means Williams would have to terminate his $5 million deal with the Toronto Wolfpack for 2021 to return to the NRL.
However chairman Peter V'landys told AAP on Sunday the ARLC would consider exemptions given the exceptional circumstances, after the Wolfpack pulled out of this year's ESL due to COVID-19 constraints.
If approved, it would open the door for dual international Williams to return to the Sydney Roosters to boost their bid for a third consecutive title, while several other ex-NRL players could sign with clubs without risking the deals they already have for next year.
"We said right at the beginning of the season that we are going to stay agile to confront any challenge put before us," V'landys said.
"That was for other purposes than this.
"Logically the commission will look at all rules that give flexibility and everything will be judged on its merits.
"We want as many players to come back as possible. You've got the Warriors at the moment who are a few players short. It's not just about Sonny Bill."
The move could allow the Warriors to acquire the likes of Ricky Leutele and Darcy Lussick, once the two Australians undergo two weeks in quarantine.
Other injury-hit clubs could also possibly consider some of the Wolfpack's best.
Williams tweeted on Friday night that he was leaving his Manchester base, and was ready for two weeks in quarantine.
He is expected to receive permission from border authorities to arrive in the country for work, aided by the fact his wife is an Australian citizen.
The Roosters have released winger Asu Kepaoa, creating further room in their roster.
But cap space will not be an issue given they already had room and Williams' deal will be for just three months.
He is not expected to play before round 15, given he will need to train after leaving quarantine.
V'landys admitted in a perfect world he would like Williams to head to the Warriors given their predicament. But he said any return to the NRL would be good for the game.
"We see it as a good thing as he is a brand," V'landys said. "He has a presence and charisma and brings in casual viewers to our game, which we need.
"Because they are the ones who determine how much revenue we get from broadcasters.
"You've got to take away your bias towards teams. You've got to look at it in the total interest of the game, the game as a whole.
"It doesn't matter what club he goes to from my perspective. He's an asset in rugby league to promote itself.
"And our job as a commission is to promote the game of rugby league."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Bath Rugby turnover breaks £20m but losses increase
3
Gloucester Rugby accounts reveal £3 million drop in turnover
4
Exeter Chiefs close to revealing new attack and backs coach
5
Latest Comments
Learn how to recover lost or stolen cryptocurrency with thorough methods and professional advice. This procedure entails comprehending the complexities of blockchain technology, seeing possible weaknesses, and using cutting-edge recovery methods. You may improve the security of your digital assets by learning about the different techniques that hackers employ. Furthermore, using expert recovery tools and services can greatly improve your chances of recovering cryptocurrency that has been lost or stolen. To protect your investments in the constantly changing world of digital currencies, be proactive and knowledgeable. My name is Patrick Hills, and I would like to talk about how I became a victim of a fraudulent investment scheme nine weeks ago. I couldn't resist the allure of this company's claim to double my income in two weeks. However, the company turned out to be fraudulent, thus I ended up in the wrong hands. They requested more money when I tried to withdraw my alleged earnings after the allotted time. When I learned I had lost everything I had invested, it was a sad time. I started learning how to recover cryptocurrency that has been lost or stolen. In my frustration and desperation, I turned to the internet, hoping to find a solution or at least some guidance. During my search, I stumbled upon numerous reviews praising Wizard James for his expertise in helping people recover lost cryptocurrency. Intrigued and hopeful, I reached out to him for assistance. In addition to recovering my stolen Bitcoin, Wizard James Recovery spent time teaching me Java coding. I now possess the knowledge necessary to better defend myself against scams of this nature in the future thanks to my newfound ability. Wizard James Recovery has given me greater security and knowledge about protecting my digital assets.Do not hesitate to get in touch with Wizard James Recovery if you need assistance recovering your stolen cryptocurrencies in a similar circumstance. His knowledge and advice can be quite helpful in getting back what you've lost and giving you the means to avoid losing it again.In conclusion, retrieving lost or stolen cryptocurrency calls for a trifecta of resources, awareness, and diligence. You may better safeguard your digital assets by being aware of potential dangers and comprehending the intricacies of blockchain technology. Asking professionals like Wizard James for help Your chances of recovering and gaining useful talents to stop losses in the future can both be greatly increased with Wizard James Recovery. To protect your interests in the ever-changing world of digital currencies, remain knowledgeable, proactive, and armed with the required resources. Reach them at WIZARDJAMESRECOVERY@USA.COM right now.
Go to commentsMzil, I only recently learned Hodgman was only 31 myself, so you’re certainly not alone there!
Canham is a good shout, and he’s coming along nicely in new colours - as is Darcy Swain for that matter.
Whether Gleeson and Hooper feature this year, without a return date confirmed (despite best intentions) remains to be seen. Different to Ikitau, in that we know he’ll return after the Exeter stint and for how long.
And Tizzano will certainly be there. I didn’t need to include him here, but he’s just no longer a fringe player!
Go to comments