With the NRL preparing to include two additional teams in the coming years, concerns surrounding the quality and depth of the player pool have become increasingly prominent.

While expansion promises commercial growth and national reach, it also risks diluting the standard of competition if talent supply cannot keep pace.

One proposed solution gaining traction is implementing a structured player loan system. But is this approach enough to address the issue?

Currently, the NRL comprises 17 teams, each with a top-30 squad, accounting for roughly 510 contracted first-grade players.

The addition of two more franchises will require at least 60 new players at NRL level, not including the expanded reserve and development rosters that underpin weekly competition.

The reality is stark: the current development pathways – SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, and second-tier competitions like the NSW and Queensland Cups – are not yet producing enough NRL-ready talent annually to sustainably support two more teams.

This talent shortfall raises genuine questions about the readiness of new franchises to compete and about the overall quality of the league.

A player loan system allows contracted players, typically on the fringe of first-grade selection, to temporarily join another club for playing opportunities.

The NRL trialled such a system during the COVID-19-disrupted 2020 season, with clubs like the Warriors benefiting from short-term reinforcements. The English Super League, by contrast, has operated a more flexible and long-standing loan structure for years.

As expansion looms, reintroducing and formalising this system is being floated as a way to bridge the talent gap.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Expansion clubs often face the challenge of assembling a competitive roster from the outset. A loan system would allow these new teams to access experienced players who may not be getting regular game time at their parent clubs.

This access can significantly boost on-field performance during the formative years, helping the club remain competitive while building a sustainable talent base.

For emerging players stuck behind established stars in the pecking order, loans offer invaluable top-level playing experience. These opportunities accelerate a young player’s development by exposing them to the speed, physicality, and pressure of NRL matches, benefits that are often not achievable through reserve-grade competitions alone.

Players who are not receiving regular minutes benefit from increased visibility through loan spells. These stints can revive careers, secure better contracts, and provide a sense of purpose and value, especially for those on the fringes of NRL squads. In the long term, it supports overall player welfare and career longevity.

Heavy injury tolls or periods of representative duty can leave teams undermanned. A loan system offers clubs a safety net by temporarily bolstering their squads with fit, match-ready players. This added flexibility helps maintain the quality and competitiveness of the league throughout the season.

However, the flip side of this, is there could be issues such as competitive integrity issues – there is a risk that loaned players could influence the outcomes of matches that impact their parent club’s position on the ladder or finals aspirations.

Even with clear loan agreements, the optics and ethical concerns surrounding potential conflicts of interest could damage the NRL’s reputation for fairness. While loans offer immediate solutions, over-reliance on them may discourage clubs, especially expansion franchises, from investing in grassroots development.

This short-term approach can undermine the long-term goal of creating a self-sustaining talent pipeline across the league.

Introducing a loan system brings complications around salary cap management, player entitlements, and finals eligibility. Without clear and enforceable guidelines, disputes or inconsistencies could arise, putting strain on the NRL’s administrative and legal frameworks. Short-term player movement can disrupt team cohesion.

Players brought in mid-season may struggle to adapt to a new playing system, form bonds with teammates, or embrace the club culture. This lack of integration can hinder performance and morale within the squad.

While the loan system can offer immediate relief, especially for newly formed clubs, it must be part of a broader, strategic approach. The NRL would need to establish clear guidelines around loan duration, recall clauses, finals eligibility, and salary cap treatment. A possible model could involve elements of the UK’s dual registration system, which allows players to be aligned to both an NRL club and a feeder team with more flexibility.

Crucially, the NRL must also invest heavily in grassroots and junior pathways, both domestically and internationally.

This includes talent identification in rugby league heartlands as well as emerging markets like the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea—regions with strong rugby league culture and untapped potential.

A formalised loan system is not a silver bullet, but it is a practical and necessary tool to ease the growing pains of expansion. When properly regulated, loans can serve player development, assist struggling clubs, and maintain the standard of competition. However, the ultimate success of NRL expansion will depend not on temporary fixes but on sustained investment in the next generation of players.

As the NRL moves towards a broader footprint, the league must balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability, and a smartly managed player loan system could be one piece of that complex puzzle.