NRLW signings still a patient wait for Murphy
The wait is almost over for the signing spree to begin in the NRLW, but the green light still hasn't been signalled to start assembling the Gold Coast roster for the upcoming season.
Seeing four new teams join the fray to make a 10-team competition in 2023, discussions are continuing between the NRL and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) to finalise a collective bargaining agreement which will then allow the gates to open for Titans director of female rugby league Karyn Murphy to get going in building her side.
"We’re still waiting to hear when we can start signing players but obviously all the clubs are out there currently talking to the girls," she said.
"Until we hear a bit more, we aren’t able to officially sign or issue any contracts yet."
Welcoming the recent salary cap announcement, which sees a growth of 153%, one of the biggest discussions currently taking place is working through how that money will split amongst the group, given the expansion of the competition.
"It’s come out at $884,000 which is a good increase for the girls," Murphy said.
"We’re just looking at what that minimum wage is going to be and obviously it’s an extended season that will run for potentially nearly five months.
That minimum wage will have to increase with the salary cap, so we’re just working through that at the moment."
But whilst no official contracts have been able to be issued yet, there have been a number of preliminary discussions held with players in the interim, which will hope to be progressed to signings once the contract window opens.
"We’re looking at building on what we already have here and l’ve had quite a few conversations," Murphy said.
"Hopefully we are able to have a few exciting announcements in the next few weeks."
