LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Warriors CEO Cameron George has highlighted the potential threat posed by the emerging R360 league, particularly in light of recent news surrounding Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's possible move.
Reports indicate that the Saudi-backed league, currently in its early development phases, is already reaching out to several NRL players about transferring.
Tuivasa-Sheck, who will be a free agent in 2027, has been linked with a lucrative transition to this new competition, which aims to attract top talent by offering substantial financial incentives.
This situation is compounded by reports that other NRL players, like Papenhuyzen, are also garnering interest from overseas, indicating a broader trend of league players potentially seeking better paydays.
During a discussion on SEN Radio, George emphasized the seriousness of R360's ambitions, stating that the financial backing of the league makes it a credible threat.
He noted, "There is a lot of sports and a lot of innovation around sport that comes to life from time to time...I have been hearing a lot over the last month about Rugby360 getting off the ground and the discussions they are having with any number of main rugby players."
George acknowledged that while R360 does pose a risk by targeting high-profile rugby league players, he believes it won't ultimately dismantle the league.
He remarked, "But is it going to tear apart rugby league, absolutely not...I am sure they will come knocking and cause some clubs some headaches with the financial windfalls on offer."
As the R360 league targets top names in rugby, the NRL clubs could face challenges as elite players are lured away by the promise of more lucrative contracts.
This evolving scenario, particularly the focus on Tuivasa-Sheck, has attracted significant attention, highlighting the potential for player poaching from rugby league.