BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Agents are divided over whether the new visa rules that will make it easier for southern hemisphere players to join English clubs will prove beneficial for rugby league in the UK.
Under the new UK visa restrictions, more players from the NSW Cup, Queensland Cup and the Pacific will be able to sign for Super League, Championship and League 1 sides.
The RFL hopes it will enhance the quality of its competitions.
English agent Jack Sutton, CEO of JS9 Sports, is in favour of the new rules.
“My personal belief is that the changes are positive and should pose benefits to our domestic game not only from a talent pool perspective, but also promoting diversity and inclusion in relation to employment opportunities for full-time and part-time athletes,” he told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“The reality is that the hottest UK prospects are getting snapped up and moving the other way, but if our talent pool is getting cherry-picked by NRL clubs due to the prestige of playing down under then we need to replenish the quality of players in our domestic comps from both UK academy graduates and overseas participants.
“This, in my personal opinion, contributes massively to the fandom element of rugby league – fans want to see talented players either on screen or when spectating events regardless of ethnicity and heritage.
“After speaking with many Australians, Kiwis, and Pacific Islanders, there is a great interest and appeal for them to play in the Super League and UK comps but previous visa requirement criteria has prevented that, particularly those participating in the Queensland and NSW Cup outside of the NRL with no ancestral ties.
“It is important to not possess the stereotype that just because someone is from the southern hemisphere that they are better than the players we have in the UK, but it is known that the standards from juniors of players in Australia, NZ etc is very high and I for one would welcome that pedigree of player to enhance our product domestically.
“However, that being said, I do believe that the current operational guidelines set by the RFL surrounding non federation trained players and quota spots is highly sufficient for Super League.”
English agent Kevin Bateman, of Players First Sports Management, believes there needs to be a focus on developing local talent and feels salary cap dispensations could help this.
“If we can attract players to our game who will enhance the quality of it then I’m all for it,” he said.
“There are some outstanding players playing Queensland Cup and NSW Cup but our main area of concern should be developing more homegrown talent and focus on keeping them in the British game.
“I believe we should have a minimum contract for players coming out of academies into Super League/full-time sides and maybe more dispensation than we currently have on the salary cap for homegrown talent.”
Australian agent Steve Gillis, of GS Sports Management, doesn’t expect a flood of Antipodean talent to move north after the visa change.
“Obviously any opportunity for players to explore the world and continue to play at a professional level is great for the players and great for the game,” Gillis said.
“However, the vast majority of the NRL’s best young stars will remain in Australia and we don’t foresee a flood of players heading over.
“Elite and emerging Australian players will continue to compete for a slice of a $11 million salary cap per club.
“That’s not to say English clubs will not prosper from the new rules, provided they are vigilant in their recruitment. The smart clubs who do their due diligence could find the right player who can value add to their line-up.
“Many of the Australians who wish to explore this opportunity will also need to understand a deal under the new format is unlikely to make them wealthy but rather provide them with an opportunity to explore the world and continue their careers in another country.
“It is possible however that some Super League clubs could entice an Australian player for a short stint – say 12 months – if that player’s current pathway in Australia was blocked and he wanted to test himself at a competitive level.”
