LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL is set to introduce a groundbreaking new player transfer policy that could have direct implications for star players such as Jarome Luai.
Luai's contract situation at Penrith has been a topic of hot discussion after the defending premiers extended fullback Dylan Edwards on a new four-year contract extension reportedly worth $850,000 per year.
It's led to concerns Luai could be pushed out at Penrith due to salary cap constraints, despite coach Ivan Cleary insisting he wants the playmaker to stay at the club.
The live-wire five-eighth could realistically command close to or even upwards of $1 million per season at a rival club, with elite playmakers a rare commodity in the game.
As part of a new "last right of negotiation" clause implemented to the transfer system - part of the recently brokered collective bargaining agreement - players like Luai will now be obliged to inform their clubs of any rivals offer.
The new policy change means if a formal offer has been tabled by another club, no player can leave their current team for a rival club without giving notice they have received an offer that they intend to accept.
Previously, players could sign with rivals from November (one year out from their deal expiring) and would not need to inform their current club.
Under the new system, clubs will have 10 days from when they are informed about the rival offer to table their own deal and try to convince the player to stay, or allow them to leave.
The player is not required to disclose the financial terms of the rival club's offer as part of the negotiations, nor are they compelled to accept the current club's offer if it matches the rival's.