NRL closer to off-field cap: reports

Moves to introduce a football department salary cap on NRL clubs are reportedly well under way with a number of franchises already approving the proposal.

In return, clubs will be guaranteed further additional funding, with the NRL keen to ensure spending does not go out of control with the record-breaking broadcast deal.

The cap is likely to control the amount spent on coaching staff, sports science, high-performance units and study trips, according to Fairfax Media.

It is likely to be in place for the 2017 season, with a six-person working committee to determine the limit by October 31 - the same day most annual NRL contracts expire.

The move follows a similar rule by the AFL two years ago when research discovered off-field spending was directly linked to success.