Dave K. wrote:
Do any other sports have such complex rules as the salary cap and quota?
I honestly think our sport is a world leader in that department.
The cap must be the ultimate Swiss Army knife rule.
1. Maintain something resembling competitive balance
2. Protect clubs from themselves (i.e. overspending)
3. Not be a barrier to signing players from Union
4. Allow SL clubs to sign the the odd NRL star
5. Reward teams who develop and retain players who are almost, but not quite, good enough for a regular spot in the NRL. If that club is sufficiently well resourced
It sort of falls between stools and doesn't seem to go all that far to achieving any of these goals.