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NRL to form a committee to overhaul third-party agreements
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sp...ul-thirdparty-agreements-20180215-h0w5vq.html
The third-party arrangement system will officially come under review after the NRL resolved to form a committee to overhaul the controversial revenue stream.
The issue of TPAs was one of the main agenda items at this week's meeting of club chief executives after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg publicly conceded there were flaws with the current model. Supporters and other stakeholders believe the system isn't equitable as players at powerful clubs, such as Brisbane and North Queensland, seemingly have greater access to corporate dollars than their rivals. The disparity undermines the work done by the salary cap, an equalisation measure that supposedly leaves all clubs on an even playing field.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg concedes the TPA system requires an overhaul.
Photo: AAP
There are also integrity issues, with third party deals the common denominator in the past two salary cap scandals, at Parramatta and Manly. The Sea Eagles maintain they have done nothing wrong and have outlined their defence in response to a breach notice. The issue centres around whether Manly provided assistance in brokering the deals – NRL rules clearly state they are to be negotiated at arm's length from clubs.
During the briefing to clubs, the NRL explained that all 16 franchises had third-party arrangements that they were primarily the domain of representative players and their value ranged from almost nothing to $300,000. The quantum total of TPAs over the past three years had decreased by $2 million as the governing body became more selective about which deals it approved. While the players and dollars involved were on the decline, the NRL conceded there was a perception from fans that the system needed adjustment, resulting in the decision to set up a taskforce to examine potential solutions.
It's understood the disparity between the "rich" and "poor" clubs is over $1.5 million, with some clubs having as few as $100,000 in total additional player payments.
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Some clubs want a cap of $1 million per club on TPAs, with Eels boss Bernie Gurr previously stating the need to put a limit to ensure a level playing field.
The Rugby League Players' Association will take a lead role after it struck a deal with the NRL to be part of the review.
"There is a commitment under the new CBA to review the current TPAs system," an RLPA spokesperson said. "We've had preliminary discussions with the NRL about this. However, we look forward to working through an agreed process with the NRL and other industry stakeholders in due course."
Proponents of the current limitless TPA system claim it must continue to ensure the game doesn't turn its back on corporate dollars. However, the committee – which is yet to be established – will be tasked on finding other ways to ensure those funds aren't lost to rugby league.
Another issue to address is the prevalence of TPAs failing to be honoured. While it is hard to police whether the players have actually provided a service in return for their money, an increasing number of deals fall through altogether and leave them out of pocket.
There is also a grey area over where club and player sponsorships begin and end and whether a firm should be allowed to do both.
"Clearly it's an issue in the game and something has to be done about it," said a club boss.
Under the new CBA, the game's elite have been incentivised to grow the game, with the NRL centrally contracting 32 players – at least one from each club – to help grow the game. The stars will be able to draw from a $1.5 million pool set aside for marketing and promotional purposes.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sp...ul-thirdparty-agreements-20180215-h0w5vq.html
The third-party arrangement system will officially come under review after the NRL resolved to form a committee to overhaul the controversial revenue stream.
The issue of TPAs was one of the main agenda items at this week's meeting of club chief executives after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg publicly conceded there were flaws with the current model. Supporters and other stakeholders believe the system isn't equitable as players at powerful clubs, such as Brisbane and North Queensland, seemingly have greater access to corporate dollars than their rivals. The disparity undermines the work done by the salary cap, an equalisation measure that supposedly leaves all clubs on an even playing field.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg concedes the TPA system requires an overhaul.
Photo: AAP
There are also integrity issues, with third party deals the common denominator in the past two salary cap scandals, at Parramatta and Manly. The Sea Eagles maintain they have done nothing wrong and have outlined their defence in response to a breach notice. The issue centres around whether Manly provided assistance in brokering the deals – NRL rules clearly state they are to be negotiated at arm's length from clubs.
During the briefing to clubs, the NRL explained that all 16 franchises had third-party arrangements that they were primarily the domain of representative players and their value ranged from almost nothing to $300,000. The quantum total of TPAs over the past three years had decreased by $2 million as the governing body became more selective about which deals it approved. While the players and dollars involved were on the decline, the NRL conceded there was a perception from fans that the system needed adjustment, resulting in the decision to set up a taskforce to examine potential solutions.
It's understood the disparity between the "rich" and "poor" clubs is over $1.5 million, with some clubs having as few as $100,000 in total additional player payments.
Advertisement
Some clubs want a cap of $1 million per club on TPAs, with Eels boss Bernie Gurr previously stating the need to put a limit to ensure a level playing field.
The Rugby League Players' Association will take a lead role after it struck a deal with the NRL to be part of the review.
"There is a commitment under the new CBA to review the current TPAs system," an RLPA spokesperson said. "We've had preliminary discussions with the NRL about this. However, we look forward to working through an agreed process with the NRL and other industry stakeholders in due course."
Proponents of the current limitless TPA system claim it must continue to ensure the game doesn't turn its back on corporate dollars. However, the committee – which is yet to be established – will be tasked on finding other ways to ensure those funds aren't lost to rugby league.
Another issue to address is the prevalence of TPAs failing to be honoured. While it is hard to police whether the players have actually provided a service in return for their money, an increasing number of deals fall through altogether and leave them out of pocket.
There is also a grey area over where club and player sponsorships begin and end and whether a firm should be allowed to do both.
"Clearly it's an issue in the game and something has to be done about it," said a club boss.
Under the new CBA, the game's elite have been incentivised to grow the game, with the NRL centrally contracting 32 players – at least one from each club – to help grow the game. The stars will be able to draw from a $1.5 million pool set aside for marketing and promotional purposes.
