Have your say: Should the marquee player rule be extended?

Drew Darbyshire

Discussions are ongoing as to whether clubs should be allowed more than two marquee players and we want to know your thoughts.

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone has revealed that clubs are considering plans to extend the use of the marquee player rule.

The Rugby Football League introduced the marquee player ruling back in 2015, with the aim of giving clubs as a better chance of attracting top players to England as well as offering new deals to Super League’s brightest stars.

The marquee player rule means that clubs are allowed to count the first £150,000 of a player’s wage on the cap.

And the it was confirmed two years ago that clubs were allowed to make two marquee signings rather than one.

The majority of Super League clubs don’t use to the marquee option at all because of financial circumstances, while Leeds Rhinos have brought in Australia international Trent Merrin and Tonga powerhouse Konrad Hurrell on marquee deals.

Wigan Warriors’ marquee player is George Williams, while Warrington Wolves have Blake Austin and will also have Gareth Widdop from 2020.

When asked if the marquee player rule will be extended, Elstone replied: “There’s discussions, a number of clubs have talked about it.

“Whether it’s ratified by all clubs – some may have different views – we’ll see but it is on the agenda and clubs are aware of it.

“From where I’m sitting, high-quality marquee players across the board gives us more assets to work with.

“You have to work out the pros and cons. Six teams are 12/1 or less to win the Grand Final, but if you lift marquee rulings, you may have three or four.”

We want to know what you think…