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- Oct 22, 2018
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There's a lot of traffic on TK about 1st November being unsuitable for the opening of player contract negotiations, that 12 months is too long for players to be signed with other clubs. But what are the alternatives;
JUNE - I seem to recall previously it was June in the last contracted year, so ~4 months before contracts ran out. But that left players with more than 1/3rd of the season to go being announced as paying with another team next year. Plus negotiations were taking place while the season was in progress, which it was claimed distracted players and coaches on the run up to the finals. Plus those playing finals were always subject to the media questioning their commitment when they had just announced that they were playing for someone one else in a couple of months. Occasionally that club was their opposition in the finals, which lead to even more questioning. At least with announcements the previous November some of the heat has gone out of player movements by that stage of the season. Plus releasing unwanted players early can't really happen, they have to stay where they are. I remember some players being stood down as soon it was announced that they had signed elsewhere, so they didn't play any games for the last 1/3 of the season.
NOVEMBER - Much the same as above except it mostly happens 6 months earlier, so releasing unwanted players can actually happen before the pre season and/or season starts. Negotiations take place after the finals, so no claims of player distraction. Announcements are in the off season which creates a bit of interest in an otherwise time of virtual silence.
PLAYER DRAFT - Will never happen, the RLPA have knocked it back every single time is has been suggested.
SOME OTHER TIME - I actually can't think of a more suitable time, earlier (than November) means bumping into finals, later means pre season training has already started. Anytime during the season distracts media, players and coaches from the games being played week to week. During SOO, a lot of players aren't involved, most coaches aren't either, but SOO time seems a bit sacrosanct, reserved just for SOO and the attention it draws.
Let rip, what are your thoughts on when players should be allowed to sign contracts with new clubs?
JUNE - I seem to recall previously it was June in the last contracted year, so ~4 months before contracts ran out. But that left players with more than 1/3rd of the season to go being announced as paying with another team next year. Plus negotiations were taking place while the season was in progress, which it was claimed distracted players and coaches on the run up to the finals. Plus those playing finals were always subject to the media questioning their commitment when they had just announced that they were playing for someone one else in a couple of months. Occasionally that club was their opposition in the finals, which lead to even more questioning. At least with announcements the previous November some of the heat has gone out of player movements by that stage of the season. Plus releasing unwanted players early can't really happen, they have to stay where they are. I remember some players being stood down as soon it was announced that they had signed elsewhere, so they didn't play any games for the last 1/3 of the season.
NOVEMBER - Much the same as above except it mostly happens 6 months earlier, so releasing unwanted players can actually happen before the pre season and/or season starts. Negotiations take place after the finals, so no claims of player distraction. Announcements are in the off season which creates a bit of interest in an otherwise time of virtual silence.
PLAYER DRAFT - Will never happen, the RLPA have knocked it back every single time is has been suggested.
SOME OTHER TIME - I actually can't think of a more suitable time, earlier (than November) means bumping into finals, later means pre season training has already started. Anytime during the season distracts media, players and coaches from the games being played week to week. During SOO, a lot of players aren't involved, most coaches aren't either, but SOO time seems a bit sacrosanct, reserved just for SOO and the attention it draws.
Let rip, what are your thoughts on when players should be allowed to sign contracts with new clubs?