NRL to introduce tighter anti-tampering rules to stop cases like Lachlan Galvin's Bulldogs move from happening
Updated . First published at
The NRL is set to tighten its anti-tampering rules, banning club officials and agents from discussing contracted players' futures publicly or privately.
The new rules will also prohibit clubs from shopping players to rivals without their permission and stop them from inducing a player to break or switch clubs before their contract ends.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL will inform clubs and agents this month of their new responsibilities before the game's new rules come into effect from December 1.
READ MORE: Walters' hint that axe could fall on stars for final Ashes Test
READ MORE: Top-flight manager collapses, dies during league match
READ MORE: 'Tears in my eyes': Payne reacts to Melham's 'surreal' Cup win
Lachlan Galvin achlan Galvin shifted from the Wests Tigers to the Bulldogs despite being contracted until the end of 2026. Getty
Under the new rules drawn up by the NRL and the Rugby League Players' Association, clubs and agents will face sanctions for several actions:
- Contacting an agent or player to discuss a player's future if that player is not a free agent;
- Making public comment deemed to be enticing or inducing a player to break a contract;
- Shopping a contracted player from their own club to a rival club without obtaining prior permission from the player.
Watch the 2025 Pacific Championships live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The league's anti-tampering rules have long frustrated fans, who remain sceptical of whether clubs and agents truly honour the November 1 free agency deadline.
Currently, unless granted permission by their current club, players are only allowed to negotiate with rivals after November 1 of the year leading into their final contracted season.
Payne Haas hit the open market on November 1, officially making the Brisbane forward free to negotiate with rivals. Getty
Watch the 2025 rugby league Ashes series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The NRL's push to tighten the rules comes directly after Lachlan Galvin's messy mid-season move from the Wests Tigers to the Bulldogs this year, despite being under contract until the end of 2026.
This seemingly exposed a flaw that the league is now trying to fix.
The NRL could impose severe sanctions on individuals who breach the new anti-tampering rules, with potential penalties including fines and deregistration.
Recent reports also suggest the NRL is set to threaten clubs with potential salary-cap penalties for breaches of the rules.
