Warriors CEO Cameron George has acknowledged the growing threat of R360, a proposed Saudi-backed breakaway rugby competition aiming to lure NRL stars with multi-million-dollar deals.
While conceding the financial pull is real, George downplayed concerns that it could dismantle the NRL.
His comments follow reports that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been offered a staggering $1 million per season to join the competition, with rumours swirling around what it could take for Nathan Cleary to potentially command offers.
“This rebel competition is threatening to steal a lot of stars out of the NRL,” said Broncos legend Corey Parker on SENQ Breakfast.
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“I have always been adamant about – we saw SBW (Sonny Bill Williams) leave to go to rugby, there’s always been players leave to rugby.
“We jump up and down about it and say we need to keep them. The game is like a big wheel – it will keep turning with or without you.
“But this R360, which is still yet to get off the ground, it is set to diminish and take away some of our superstars of the game.
“My question is, which NRL players would you target to go cross code for this competition in Saudi Arabia?”
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“If you’re pulling away some of our superstars, let’s say a Cleary, we have spoken about him playing union, what if this 360 throws a $3 million deal at Cleary?
“He has the currency for union. Why wouldn’t he go and play union for $3m a year?
“There’s a real concern if this gets off the ground," Parker strongly stated.
While no formal structure for R360 has been confirmed, early speculation points to a 12-team global competition, with heavy financial backing from Saudi Arabia.
Potential targets reportedly include high-profile players like Kalyn Ponga and Ryan Papenhuyzen, along with Tuivasa-Sheck and Cleary.