Andrew Johns has advocated for the introduction of a post-season transfer window in the NRL, particularly in light of the recent contract upheavals involving Daly Cherry-Evans and Dylan Brown. Both players recently announced unexpected exits from their teams after lengthy tenures in the league, stirring significant media attention. While Brown has opted for a lucrative $13 million deal with Newcastle, Cherry-Evans’s future destination remains uncertain.
Wayne Bennett joined the chorus calling for a transfer window, criticising the NRL for creating a “self-destruct” situation early in the season. Following a match on Thursday, Bennett expressed his concern, stating that such distractions are detrimental to both the game and the clubs involved. He pointed out that other sports, like Australian rules football, have established systems wherein trades and player movements are managed formally after the season concludes, thus avoiding mid-season distractions.
Johns echoed Bennett’s sentiments, highlighting that the implementation of a transfer window could streamline player movement, as is common in various international sports. He suggested that there should be a designated period for transactions, possibly at the end of the season or following the State of Origin series, to alleviate the confusion faced by fans regarding player departures. Current practices, where deals are made well ahead of the season’s end, contribute to uncertainty and dissatisfaction among supporters, particularly as they grapple with the prospect of losing key players.
Johns expressed his understanding of the players’ need to plan for significant life changes, such as school and housing, when considering transfers. However, he believes that these issues can be resolved effectively within a structured transfer window, rather than leaving fans in limbo and frustrated over early signings. He illustrated his point by referencing the turmoil faced by Parramatta fans regarding Dylan Brown’s impending departure, which has led to calls for players to leave before the end of the season, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
In summary, both Johns and Bennett are championing for a more organised approach to player transfers in the NRL to enhance the overall experience for fans while making the process more efficient for players and clubs alike.