LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
R360 has faced a significant setback in its recruitment ambitions within the NRL.
Prominent player agent Clinton Schifcofske, who represents Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax, has officially ended negotiations with the rebel rugby competition R360. This decision distances him from rumors suggesting he was guiding NRL players to the breakaway league.
Schifcofske's withdrawal follows a stern warning from ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys, who declared that any players or agents associated with R360 would face 10-year bans. Consequently, Schifcofske has chosen to disengage entirely from all discussions regarding R360.
"I won't be having anything to do with R360 moving forward," Schifcofske stated in an interview with Code Sports. "There's a 10-year ban in place for agents who take players to R360, and I don't want to do the wrong thing and cop that. I'm absolutely respectful of the NRL's position."
Previously, Schifcofske confirmed that he had engaged in talks with R360 representatives concerning Papenhuyzen's potential availability, but emphasized that these discussions took place prior to the NRL's clear stance. As a former 234-game first-grade player who represented teams such as the Parramatta Eels, Canberra Raiders, and Queensland Maroons, Schifcofske is acutely aware of the implications associated with his role in the ongoing developments.