'Huge trouble': NRL fans warned of top players being poached after fresh RTS news
Papenhuyzen is reportedly attracting interest from the northern hemisphere rugby union competition, while Warriors star Tuivasa-Sheck was linked with a big money move to the competition in 2027. While Tuivasa-Sheck will be off contract with the Warriors, it appears R360 is opening up another avenue for players to earn larger pay days.
And it appears R360 is set to target the top names from the competition and clubs have been warned the danger is real. Speaking on Thursday morning to Greg Alexander on SEN Radio, Warriors CEO George Cameron doubled down and suggested the threat of R360 could be a worry going forward.
"There is a lot of sports and a lot of innovation around sport that comes to life from time to time. But being over here in New Zealand where Rugby is very big over here, I have been hearing a lot over the last month about Rugby360 getting off the ground and the discussions they are having with any number of main rugby players," he said.
"And heard, quite frankly, that a number of our major names in rugby league would be a target to them as well. I get that, they are a PR machine it would be great for their sport, I think it is real. But is it going to tear apart rugby league, absolutely not...however, I am sure they will come knocking and cause some clubs some headaches with the financial windfalls on offer."
While Super Rugby and European Rugby can expect to be raided for their talent, rugby league is also a major poaching ground and could see some elite players make the move for a much larger sum of money. And the news about Tuivasa-Sheck has certainly raised some eyebrows.
RTS camp address R360 conversations
Speaking on Sport Nation NZ, reporter Alex Chapman claimed on Thursday morning Tuivasa-Sheck's camp had confirmed the news the player's management had been approached by R360. Speaking on Sport Nation NZ Radio, Chapman said the camp confirmed they 'had the conversations' with the competition, but were 'taking a breath' after initial talks. The reporter also claimed a number of current All Blacks have also been approached over the switch.
With the reports coming in fast, the rugby league community is now raising concerns over how the NRL could stop the Saudi-backed league from taking their top talent. Fans have reacted with some hesitation to the news. While NRL clubs can expect a bigger salary cap to work with when the new broadcast deal is announced, it will still fall short of the financial power R360 is expected to be able to offer players.
Should it get off the ground, it's understood that many current All Blacks are also being eyed up for R360 👀MORE 👉 https://t.co/3H5f2iGdsO pic.twitter.com/mSqm3lpc3l
— Sport Nation NZ (@SportNationNZ) July 16, 2025
The nrl could be in huge trouble here these guys throwing crazy money around https://t.co/l7Yu110Vur
— Can we talk about Rodri?🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@jakepike96) July 16, 2025
#R360 is the new Super League.. NRL bosses take note https://t.co/EXtZKxi26l
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) July 16, 2025
Ryan Papenhuyzen remains coy on R360 links
Papenhuyzen has been made aware of the reports and admitted most players would "have to consider" the huge money thrown at them. While the money was eye-opening, the Melbourne fullback remained coy on whether it was of interest of him to make a switch to rugby union. Instead he said he wasn't looking any further than aiming to win back-to-back competitions with the Storm.
"I've just got a big focus for winning the premiership and hopefully going back-to-back next year and then we'll see, but you always look forward to your future and see what's happening," he said. "I'm sure my manager is doing a good job with that and has got it all under control."
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