R360 League Recruits Face 10-Season Ban from NRL
The athlete gained 20 test matches for the Kiwis before changing representation to the Samoan team.
Rugby league's governing body has announced that players who enter the “breakaway” R360 competition will be prohibited for 10 seasons.
R360, which plans to launch in late 2026, is aiming to attract players from union and league with hefty contracts and a reduced fixture list.
Leading rugby league athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will involve multiple men's clubs and women's teams operating from major cities worldwide.
Samoa's the rugby star, who represents his NRL club in the NRL, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.
Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also said to be weighing up offers from the new competition.
Several leading union teams, including Australia, last week announced a ban on R360 recruits appearing in global fixtures.
“We heard our teams and we've responded strongly,” commented the league's chief Peter V'Landys.
“Sadly, there will continually be entities that try to exploit our sport for potential financial gain.
“They fail to contribute in talent pipelines or the development of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, jeopardizing careers of monetary damage while profiting themselves.
“Essentially, they are, counterfeiting a code.”
The league is co-founded by ex-England star Mike Tindall and backed by private investors.
Following the possible rugby union bans were announced last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as a component of the global rugby calendar.
“The competition is designed with customized calendars for male and female sides and we will permit participants for test matches, as included in their deals.”
The breakaway group will apply for endorsement for its proposals from World Rugby, union's governing body, at its council meeting in the coming year.
