SL salary cap to remain the same

Super League clubs have agreed to maintain the salary cap at £1.65 million for the 2010 season following a meeting of club officials this week.

Under the current cap, which is reviewed on an annual basis, clubs cannot spend more than £1.65 million before prize money payments on its top 25 earners whilst an extra £50,000 can be spent on players outside the top 25 who have made at least one first grade appearance during the season.

In addition, club can continue to spend what they wish on juniors outside of the first team in 2010.  Any player who has played for the same club for at least 10 consecutive seasons will also continue to have half their salary excluded from the cap for his eleventh and subsequent seasons subject to a maximum spend of £50,000 per club.

Emma Rosewarne, the RFL’s Operations Director, said: ““Clubs decided against a rise in the salary cap for the 2010 season due to the current economic climate and the fact that last June they agreed to a £50,000 rise for this season.  As always clubs will have the opportunity to review the salary cap limit again this time next year.

“”With more and more clubs spending close to the full limit of the salary cap each year we are really starting to see the benefits of a more level playing field. This year’s engage Super League is proving to be the most competitive yet with just six points separating the top five clubs.””

It is expected that the salary cap for the Championship will be reduced for next season.