THE BOARDROOM: The solution to the NRL's biggest contract problems

Hoffy and Chad analyse the current issues with the state of the NRL’s player movement mechanisms, and whether it could be time for a dedicated trade period or draft off the back of the situations surrounding Zac Lomax and Bronson Xerri. Chad discusses how his sudden switch to North Queensland came to be, while Hoffy raises the idea of a free agents draft for the end of each season.

Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.

⬇️ THE AGENDA:

00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom

02:09 The Zac Lomax Situation

04:26 How do NRL contracts work

07:57 Player Commitment vs. Contract Negotiations

10:54 The Stress of Contract Negotiations

11:50 CBA Negotiations and Free Agency Perspectives

17:02 The Fan Perspective

20:19 Trade Period

22:57 Exploring a Loan Systems

27:35 Would a draft work in the NRL?

34:12 Free agent draft?

Recorded on 17/03/2026

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