R360 Players Face Decade-Long Suspension from NRL
The athlete won 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing loyalty to Samoa.
Rugby league's administration has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 league will be barred for 10 seasons.
The proposed competition, scheduled to begin in 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed playing schedule.
Prominent rugby league players have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve six to eight men's teams and four women's sides based in large metropolitan areas around the world.
Samoa's the player, who is with the Warriors in the competition, has said he has had negotiations involving the breakaway league.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be thinking about signing R360.
A group of rugby union nations, such as Australia, recently declared a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.
“We heard our franchises and we've taken firm action,” stated ARLC head the official.
“Regrettably, there will persistently exist entities that attempt to hijack our game for potential financial gain.
“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They merely capitalize on the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of financial loss while profiting themselves.
“In truth, they represent, counterfeiting a code.”
R360 is co-founded by retired international Tindall and supported by private investors.
After the possible rugby union bans were announced last week, it stated: “We aim to collaborate together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.
“The series is designed with tailored timetables for male and female sides and R360 will release all players for international matches, as included in their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its board session next year.
