Super League's new salary cap plan to shake up transfers revealed with big advantage

[josie andrews]

Exclusive: Some significant changes to the salary cap have been passed that will come with some exciting possibilities for clubs.

A number of salary cap dispensations have been approved ahead of the 2025 season, including one that could have some significant implications on clubs' recruitment plans heading into the off-season.

Rugby League Live has been informed that eight amendments and additions have been made regarding dispensations next year which will provide clubs with more flexibility moving forward.

The finite salary cap will remain at £2.1 million for Super League clubs next year, but changes have been made which will help clubs exceed that spend.

Of all the additions, the most significant one is that each club will now be able to sign two players who are earning less than £35,000 per season and not have to include them on their salary cap. It is hoped that the rule will help enhance the possibility of players earning Super League contracts while also encouraging clubs to take a chance on players looking for an opportunity at the top level.

Another significant change comes in the shape of injured players. Moving forward, a player who misses more than six matches through injury inlficted by foul play will be removed from a club's salary cap for the period of time they are out of action. As an example, Wigan Warriors forward Willie Isa suffered a season-ending injury when he was on the receiving end of a 'hip-drop' tackle in May. Should that happen next year, the injured player's salary cap value wouldn't apply for the period of time they are off the field.

Further changes include a dispensation up to the tune of £40,000 per season for players who feature in international games for England or France. Clubs will receive a £10,000 dispensation per player, up to a maximum of four, for the following season if they represent either nation.

The existing Club Trained Dispensation, awarded to clubs for producing Super League and Championship standard players, has been increased from a maximum £100,000 to £150,000.

Further changes have been made with regard to bonuses and benefits for players, such as flights and car allowances.

The changes that have been implemented will help clubs looking to spend beyond the £2.1 salary cap along with the other dispensations already in place, the most notable being the marquee player rule.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... 4776833d50

[Caboosegg]

But still haven't changed the main issue.

The Cap needs to best case scenario go. Or at the very list should increase by inflation each year.

By not increasing the cap the rfl are expecting clubs to work magic with salaries, force players out or expecting the players themselves not to take pay rises.