LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
R360 organizers have responded promptly to the Australian Rugby League Commission's (ARLC) threat of imposing 10-year bans on players who join their new competition, calling the actions "sadly" predictable.
On Wednesday, ARLC chairman Peter V'landys accused R360 officials of undermining the sport and threatened to suspend any player managers who participate.
These proposed bans would prevent players from participating in the NRL and any competitions sanctioned by the ARLC.
Mark Spoors, co-chief executive of R360, stated that their initiative aims to provide players with "fresh opportunities."
"Recent announcements, sadly, have been anticipated," Spoors remarked.
He added, "History shows that when athletes are offered free choice and given fresh opportunities for them and their families, then threats to those sportsmen and women follow."
Spoors emphasized that R360's mission is to empower players and create opportunities for both rugby enthusiasts and future fans of the sport. "R360 is about empowering players, giving them, rugby lovers and the next generation of fans opportunities and new platforms to enjoy the sport we love."
He concluded, "We know there is much interest in understanding more about the global series we're building. We remain on plan and look forward to sharing and discussing the detail in the coming months."