R360 Players Subject to Decade-Long Exclusion from NRL

The NRL's authority has announced that players who enter the “counterfeit” R360 will be prohibited for 10 seasons.

The new league, set to start in October 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a slimmed-down playing schedule.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by the breakaway group, which will feature multiple men's sides and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas around the world.

The Samoan the player, who plays for his NRL club in the competition, has confirmed he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.

Eight major rugby union teams, including Australia, earlier imposed a restriction on R360 recruits participating in international matches.

“We've listened to our teams and we've taken firm action,” said ARLC head V'Landys.

“Unfortunately, there will persistently exist organizations that try to exploit our code for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the advancement of talent. They only leverage the efforts of others, endangering athletes of financial loss while benefiting financially.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

The organization is established by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.

Following the prospective union bans were revealed recently, it said: “We want to work together as integrated into the worldwide fixture list.

“The series is structured with customized calendars for male and female sides and the organization will permit participants for international matches, as included in their contracts.”

R360 will request authorization for its plans from the international authority, union's regulatory group, at its council meeting in the coming year.