R360’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive Stirs NRL Uncertainty
The ongoing chatter around the R360 rebel rugby union competition has intensified, with new reports claiming that two of rugby league’s biggest names—Broncos superstar Reece Walsh and Panthers champion Nathan Cleary—are part of a secret hit list of NRL stars targeted by the fledgling league. The Daily Telegraph highlighted R360’s strategy as it positions itself to disrupt the established NRL calendar and rosters ahead of its 2026 launch window.
R360’s stated aim is to assemble a roster that could rival the credibility of existing professional leagues. While it remains unclear how concrete the talks are, the revelations have sparked renewed discussion about player mobility, contract protections, and the potential financial incentives on offer in rebel codes of sport.
Who Is Being Targeted?
Beyond Walsh and Cleary, the list of players reportedly eyed by R360 reads like a who’s who of contemporary NRL stars. Reported targets include:
- Storm stars Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, and Ryan Papenhuyzen
- Broncos’ Payne Haas and Deine Mariner
- Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- Eels winger Zac Lomax
- Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray
Sources told media outlets that Walsh and Cleary were not discussed, directly targeted in conversations, suggesting their inclusion in the public narrative may be the subject of speculation or contingent on contractual and personal considerations.
Why Walsh and Cleary Are Considered High-Value Targets
Reece Walsh’s star rise with the Broncos and Nathan Cleary’s status as a Panthers stalwart position them as marquee attractors for any rival competition. The revelations come amid a broader debate about player autonomy, contract security, and the appeal of a high-profile league that promises lucrative terms and a potential lifestyle base in Europe or other continents, should players seek a change of scenery.
Salary discussions around the rumored offers reportedly include mentions of multi-year deals with tax considerations that could create attractive financial incentives. The public discussion of Cleary’s possible off-contract status in 2027 has fuelled speculation about relocation possibilities that could reunite him with partners or personal ties abroad, according to unnamed sources.
Legal and Practical Considerations for Players
Any movement by top players to a rebel competition faces significant legal and logistical hurdles. NRL contracts bind players to their clubs and the league structure, while governing bodies scrutinize any attempts to transfer players outside approved pathways. R360 is said to be examining the legalities surrounding potential player movement and whether a rival league can operate without infringing contracts or triggering release clauses.
R360’s plan reportedly involves starting with big-name signings to establish credibility and financial viability, mirroring early recruitment strategies seen in other sports leagues. The broader aim appears to be building a competition that can compete on schedule, talent, and audience draw, potentially forcing the NRL to respond with its own strategic pivots.
What This Means for the NRL
For now, the NRL and its clubs are navigating a period of heightened media speculation. While the rebel league’s exact structure, team rosters, and launch logistics remain unconfirmed, clubs and players are watching closely. R360’s interest in high-caliber names underscores ongoing concerns about player retention and the appeal of alternative professional options for elite athletes.
As whispers persist, the conversation will likely shift toward contract clarity, formal negotiations, and how governing bodies will address any real or attempted poaching. Until there is an official announcement, readers should treat these reports as part of the dynamic tug-of-war between established leagues and potential challengers in professional rugby.
