Reforming the Salary Cap

First of all, the Storm have no excuses - the rules are what they are and everyone has to play by them.

However, separately, is it time for changes to the cap? The AFL cap is almost double the NRL's, although they typically have more players in the squad (but not double the number of players in an NRL squad).

More importanty, should there be incentives for Clubs to develop local talent - e.g. discount factors/weightings applied to players whom a club brings through the junior ranks. For example, if a player has come through from Ball/Flegg/NYC - their cost is weighted at, say, 75% of their full salary for a one year contract. The weighting could even be adjusted to reduce the discount, the longer the term of the contract (e.g. 90% weighting over a 3 year contract).

As an example, this means that Parra would sign Hayne for $500k per year, but would use up $350k if they signed him to a one year deal, or $450k per year over a three year term.

Do these types of incentives exist already?

I think something needs to be done for sure, people always cry about a poor club going broke, but hey, thats life in the real world, you under- perform, you go under, try running a business without putting in huge efforts every week! If a club has a good coach, and players who are giving it there all because they know they will be paid more if they do, I cant se them going broke.

The system in place at the moment rewards mediocrity, and promotes disloyalty and code deflection, footy players are young, they want to stick with their mates, and play with the team they always dreamed of playing with, but they only have limited time to make their money, and under the current system, staying loyal is not financially viable if a good coaching team has developed a field full of stars.
The ideas here are a start, but whatever the case, some system has to be devised were single club players can be payed what they are worth to be retained, whatever the cost. I think the only thing that should be capped is the amount of money that can be spent in a year recruiting players from another club, this would promote and make practical club loyalty amongst players, and ensure clubs strive to continue to develop their juniors and reserves. It also rewards good coaching.
Somehow clubs need to be able to keep the marquee players they have tutored and developed.

"I wouldn't be making any plans with Galvin in mind, he had his chance and opted for the dogs and we also shouldn't consider what's better for our competition. Never get too attached to any single player is my view, another opportunity will present…"

Replies

Eeldarado April 27, 2010 at 11:55am

This is not going to stop rival codes offering more for League players services!!
Ross April 27, 2010 at 11:00pm

I think something needs to be done for sure, people always cry about a poor club going broke, but hey, thats life in the real world, you under- perform, you go under, try running a business without putting in huge efforts every week! If a club has a good coach, and players who are giving it there all because they know they will be paid more if they do, I cant se them going broke.

The system in place at the moment rewards mediocrity, and promotes disloyalty and code deflection, footy players are young, they want to stick with their mates, and play with the team they always dreamed of playing with, but they only have limited time to make their money, and under the current system, staying loyal is not financially viable if a good coaching team has developed a field full of stars.
The ideas here are a start, but whatever the case, some system has to be devised were single club players can be payed what they are worth to be retained, whatever the cost. I think the only thing that should be capped is the amount of money that can be spent in a year recruiting players from another club, this would promote and make practical club loyalty amongst players, and ensure clubs strive to continue to develop their juniors and reserves. It also rewards good coaching.
Somehow clubs need to be able to keep the marquee players they have tutored and developed.
Sharkiesboomboomboom April 28, 2010 at 11:25am

Would you be saying 'so be it' if it were the Eels at risk of folding?
Bourbon Man April 28, 2010 at 11:53am

That's a very good point about the number of games played per week Eels47. There can and will be a reduction in Sydney clubs only when there's a realistic replacement either regionally or interstate.

I think we can safely say that SE Qld can support another team as can the Central Coast, but as it stands Adelaide and Perth are a no go and Melbourne are on their knees so in reality, the League are going to have to keep the majority of Sydney clubs afloat for at least into the forseeable future.
Sharkiesboomboomboom April 28, 2010 at 5:07pm

I'd go along with that scenario, Tony bongo.
YDIDISAYIDO April 28, 2010 at 6:43pm

Salary cap will always be in issue whilst there are so many teams in Sydney.

The answer is to get rid of Sydney teams, but that is simply not right. We hence have to live with an imperfect situation... however if the Sharks or any other Sydney club is at risk if dieing.... the NRL should let them go....

As for consessions for juniors... can't agree with this either.... richer teams will buy more juniors... plain and simple.

Gould made what seemed like a good point about how Inglis, Slater, Smith, Blair, Folau etc debut as Storm juniors and they should be rewarded.... what if teh Storm is investing twice the average to get these players... should they be rewarded?
Sharkiesboomboomboom April 28, 2010 at 9:01pm

Out of interest I had a look-see to see how many teams are in the Penrith, Parramatta, Cronulla and Souths Juniors.

I nearly died of shock when i saw how many Penrith had....600 teams. Souths were next with 294 teams, then Parra with 281 and Cronulla with 238.I couldnt be bothered looking up the rest of the numbers but maybe you are correct in saying Penrith and Parra's juniors would be more than the other seven teams...or just to simplify things we could even say that Penrith flogs everyones arse more than 2-1 in producing the most footy players.

They are unbelievable numbers....Well done, Panthers.
- Normo > Sharkiesboomboomboom April 28, 2010 at 9:14pm
  
  Yeah but I think a lot of that's because we are still using 1967 boundaries. Look at blacktown where I live. Although geographically much closer to Parramatta, blacktown city and blacktown workers are part of the penrith juniors system.
  
  Still good numbers though despite that.
  - Sharkiesboomboomboom > Normo April 28, 2010 at 9:25pm
    
    Yeah I noticed that...there was some Blacktown teams in Penrith and Parramatta..cant remember which though...
    - Normo > Sharkiesboomboomboom April 28, 2010 at 9:29pm
      
      Lalor Park is on the good side, feletis junior club. But the blacktown teams and west are penruff. Luke Lewis for example came from blacktown. I think it was probably an even distribution back then but obviously more teams have sprung up since.