Warriors CEO remains divided on potential cap exemptions for rugby union converts

The NRL is reportedly set to re-explore giving clubs who sign current rugby union players a salary cap exemption on the heels of current stars Carter Gordon and Mark Nawaqanitawase switching codes in recent times.

With expansion firmly on the horizon over the next couple of years, the NRL’s desire to see more big names and importantly quality players scattered across the league could prompt the move.

Although the specificities of the proposed idea haven’t been revealed yet, there is a growing concern amongst those involved in the game that the move could have a negative effect due to the current salary cap issues across the majority of clubs.

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George is amongst those doubtful of the move as he predicted all clubs, including his own to try and find a way to manipulate the exemptions.

“It’s a hard one to sort of get my head around, to be honest, I haven’t really gotten up to speed with what the discussion is,” George said on SEN 1170 Mornings.

“In theory, I don’t know how it could work, giving an exemption to a rugby union convert, I’ll be sending players over to play rugby union next week if that’s the case, then bringing them back on an exemption.

“What is defined as a rugby player, how long have they had to play rugby for?”

George also shared his skepticism of NRL coaches’ willingness and patience to teach union converts to find their feet in a new game.

“The other thing is, whilst there might be a lot of interest the reality is the coaches are very cautious because it takes a long time to convert that rugby player, that’s been in the rugby game and system for a long time over to a successful rugby league player,” George added.

“The coaches are quite cautious and I know that from experience here, where we get a lot of interest.

“In theory, it might all sound ok but there’d have to be a lot of detail around that, otherwise there could be a lot of people getting exemptions that probably shouldn’t be.”

Listen to the full chat below.