[ad_1]
The NRL will consider introducing anti-tampering rules to end coaches signing with rival clubs years in advance.
Coaching contracts will be high on the agenda when the game’s governing body meets with the chief executives of all 16 clubs at NRL headquarters on Wednesday.
The issue came to a head when Ivan Cleary signed with Penrith and Anthony Seibold with Brisbane over a year out from the end of their contracts.
It’s been proposed that coaching rules be brought in line to mirror those that govern player signings.
Under NRL rules, players cannot sign with a rival over a year out from the end of their deal and there is now a push for coaches to be bound by the same November 1 deadline.
Cleary signed with Penrith for the 2021 season despite having over two years to run on his Wests Tigers contract.
The move forced the Tigers’ hand and granted him an early release so that he could link up with his son Nathan for the 2019 season.
Similarly, South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold signed with Brisbane for the 2020 season with over a year left on his contract, prompting the Rabbitohs to poach Wayne Bennett.
The clubs are expected to undertake an immediate coaching swap in the coming days.
Asked what punishment or recourse would be available should a coach break the proposed rules, an NRL spokesman said that would be dictated by the clubs who are proposing the rule change.
©AAP2018
Source link
