Gus and Gal clash BIG TIME over how to handle player transfers | Wide World of Sports 

Never seen gus get owned in an argument/debate.

Gal is right here. If players dont want to move, it’s their choice dont force them. Also dont force having a draft as well! Young kids have dreams playing for their favourite club and a draft will kill their dreams

Gus sounds ridiculous here. He can hardly talk with the Bulldogs swooping in and taking alot of Penrith’s and other clubs homegrown talent, look at their team for next year for gods sakes. Imagine trying to say that players should have to pack up their lives and their families and be forced to play for whoever will bid the most for them like a slave trade. “The current system gives all the power to the player” yeah, almost like they’re the ones out there every single weekend and training session putting their bodies on the line ay Gus? Of course they should have the power to decide where they want to play! He’s had some bad takes but this one’s right up there.

Gal inadvertently Roasting the NRL by saying Jack wighton should go to a crap team because he's a good player just got me choking on my sandwich with laughter

Despite Gals interrupting, he is right. Why should you go to the highest bidder if you don’t want to play there. Then you have a player playing for you that doesn’t want to be with you. Dumb

Gal is right. Whatever system there is there will be some player/club complaining when things don't work out for them.

If a player comes through the clubs juniors for last 5+ years or a player has played over 200 games for one club they should have atleast a 50% concession from salary cap. LOYALTY SHOULD BE REWARDED NOT PENALISED

Have to say i agree with gal here. That system sounds too complicated and i wouldnt tryst the governing body with those decisions

Gal understands. He remained with the Sharks for many years before they finally won a premiership. I'm sure he was hit up by many clubs and is defending the right for a player to have that decision.

I agree with Paul 💯💯💯

Stick with the current market. It will be stupid if it’s the highest bid the players go to

to say a player has to go to the highest bidder is ridiculous

omg gus just lost me when he said he shouldnt have a choice and should go to the highest bidder lmfao, so where has the uproar been when players take pay cuts to stay at their club?

Well done Gal, your right,you easily won that debate against Gus

1000% right Gus, the game would oly get better under a draft system, and it matters hows it written up, the details. and gives all teams a go

Gus is such a hypocrite. The cap provides balance in the market which negates sheer greed as the greatest motivator to success and the teams that profit most are those with the best development and shrewdest coaches.

Gal is like paul Kent, where he believes that you have to interrupt and talk over the other person. The biggest voice is not always the correct voice

Gus's proposed system is absolutely crap! Players either leave for more money or actually want to win... that's it... There should be a free agency period at the end of the season for players off contract and players who've declined their player option, just like Wighton.. in that period, they negotiate and sign with their new club.. The midseason signings to different clubs need to stop.. and the only midseason signings that should happen is when a club agrees to extend a player's contract..

I agree with Gal .. 12 months in advance is enough... It's fine how it is move on, always have to complain about something 😭😞😭

I mean Gus also holds a senior executive position with an NRL team. Hasn’t he signed a whole bunch of players in this very way? Or does it work for him because like he says “the player should go to the highest bidder”?

Gus likes control. The current system doesn't allow him that so he wants the system changed.

I love Gus and he has a legitimate point, but Gal wins. You can't solve a problem by changing the rules that introduce other problems. Gus should understand this more than anyone given his critique of rule changes around the ruck and tackling - which he rightly rails about. So don't change the way players move unless players get to have a say. They might want to play for a specific coach, win a premiership, go back home, get away from home, etc, etc. And if they are good enough to go to where they desire, there is nothing wrong with that.

When gus is wrong, he says pull it up on the tape 🤣🤣🤣

Cant think of one professional league that has a "player draft" that includes already registered players.....every draft i know of is all external or unregistered players, anyone able to elaborate on Gus's comment?

A draft is not the idea. I think clubs should be allowed to have salary cap concessions for players they have brought up through their development pathway. That leaves the opportunity for a one club player to exist and build more of a dedicated fan base. It would also encourage NRL teams to invest in junior development heavily.

I think what Gus is talking here would be classed as a restriction of trade and would be challenged by the players as Gal said and would be illegal. You can't force someone to sign a contract they don't agree to.

I see that having players signed a year in advance can be frustrating to clubs and fans, and I get the system might need a bit of an overhaul. I don't see how what Gus is suggesting changes much. A draft could be used, like it is in other sports, for rookies coming into the League if the NRL was in charge of development (so that individual clubs who are far more involved in junior pathways aren't out of pocket for doing so). That could be effective for spreading rookie talent throughout the comp. But how are you going to have a similar system for more experienced players? Are you really going to stop players from joining teams that have proven themselves competent? Yes, poor performing clubs don't get a look in at the moment for the best players, but isn't that fair enough? Good clubs are rewarded by being able to sign better players, because players know they will have a more fulfilling career there. They also lose out because less competent teams poach all their best talent once they can't fit all their top players in the cap - even in cases where they developed most of them. It's not like the Top 8 isn't fairly fluid, while we often see the usual faces like Rabbits and Roosters you often get teams coming out of nowhere into the 8 or dropping out of it. I think the current system is just fine as long as 3rd party deals are properly investigated and eradicated - I think we all know there are perks for some of the richer Sydney teams that evade the salary cap, but tweaking the transfer window isn't a fix for that.

Gal is right on this one

Draft works in NFL, NBA, MLB because there are no other options for a player. Players here have the option of many Union comps around the world and ESL where they can potentially earn more money.

Maybe not a draft, but an offseason period where players make their off-season decision could work like how it is in the NBA. Rookies would still be brought up with their respective teams, but It would be nice to not have all this signing drama in the middle of the season. Players off contract would have a period in the off-season to make their decision for next year.

Gus is right. Look at the premier League Transfer Windows. It works so well and keeps the agents out and the clubs in control

Gus is completely wrong on this one. Needs to eat some humble pie.

Gal needs to stop interrupting and listen for a change. Butting in every time Gus talks is annoying

No draft. No salary cap. No restriction of trade.

Rugby Union has killed itself when: 1. Kills the local traditional grass-roots 2. Kills the traditional local rivalries 3. Kills the connection between community, locality and loyalty and representing your people (not your commerce and brand and marketing and franchise) Heed these words well, NRL. Australia has a penchant to follow the USA eg excess advertising etc but the Aussies being small fish in the world pond ends up being better for your own local sports and rivalries and traditions that makes you Aussies...

YOU GO GAL!!

Gus is 100% correct.

Jack wanted to play with his mates and if he can, good luck to him. Melbourne Storm was allowed to keep their best players for a long time so why not anyone else. Any system that makes you play somewhere you don't want to be will turn the players against the NRL. The only reason it's a circus is because Gus can't claim he is responsible for how good the game is at the moment. It's a great product, the NRL are doing a very good job.

Completely agree with Gal.

Gus Gould thinks he is right about every single topic. Have a deep think about what you say Phillip and realise your wrong occasionally. Self important dribble on a regular basis... Ok i got that off my chest.

Issue is NRL isn’t big enough for draft and we need to prioritize the players otherwise players will not want to play NRL full stop. Gal is right, more power to players because atm NRL isn’t bigger then it’s players.

I'm glad Lebron James made a difference in the NBA with players choosing where to go, it's amazing how lopsided this is because if a club is "done" with you they just kick you to the curb and you're on your own but my god if you leave all hell breaks loose and you are called selfish

2023 GRAND FINAL WINNERS 🏆🥇 CANBERRA RAIDERS WOOOOOO LET'S GO RAIDERS

I love Gus but he is wrong. Don't fix something that isn't broken. We keep changing the game every year and the ratings are going down.

Gus just sounds anti worker. God forbid the people actually doing the work have any power

Draft makes sense, but the football transfer periods of mid season and off season like they have in Europe is the better option with the player moving immediately after signing a new contract.

I wish Gallen had subtitles

Didn’t the Bulldogs put Kikau in a dogs jumper whilst still under contract to Penrith?

The nrl market isn’t the same as the open market but it’s insane to suggest that you should HAVE to go work for someone because they offered you a greater salary. There’s more than one reason to take a pay cut somewhere else.

There's not much loyalty left in the modern game a Draft would kill the little loyalty left in the game

Was Gus getting a bit emotional there he wiped he's eye twice lol 🤣🤣

Gus is right. I follow AFL. No one club stays strong for more than 5/7 years

I agree with gal could you qlders imagine gal being drafted to the broncos there would be a riot at lang park every 2nd week

The easiest solution, and the one that will grow the game, is to put in a sizeable cap concession for club juniors. Start it at a 50% discount on the cap for players under 21 then lower it a little after they reach 21 or play 50 games (whichever comes first).

Which sports have a free agent forced auction? Other sports have trading and transfer fees.

The player and manager should have all the power..

I hate when Gus says the draft is used "all around the world" when its used pretty much exclusively in North America with the exception of the AFL, KHL (Russian Hockey League), IPL (Indian Premier League Cricket) and the only reason the draft exists in American sports is because of the NCAA and the prominence of collegiate sports and the pathway to professional sports, plus America loves anything they can televise pump full of ads and make a load of money on. there's nothing wrong with the current system but if they were to change it I'd rather see it go the direction of the EPL (soccer) where there's no salary cap and players garner a transfer fee to go between clubs and there is FFP (financial fair play) to stop clubs from just spending money in an unsustainable way... at least that way clubs will be rewarded for growing their own talent.

You heard it here guys from from one of the best past players Gal “ played in the East coast of Australia and NZ, we are not a World game, we are the beat game in Australia alone” League is an awesome game I agree and awesome game to watch better than Rugby Union however Union is alot more fun to play than league. I play club at both sports and I dont run any where near as much as I do in Union. I love to play League cause I dont have to constantly run entire game. I can choose to stand back for 2-3 plays if I wanted

Gal winner by knockout in this argument. Why though are they talking about an American system when clearly the best method is the EPL transfer system. Two windows a year and clubs are compensated if another players contract wants to be brought out. If a player is off contract it's open game. Clubs should also be given a 10% salary cap discount on the player if they blood a junior and this goes up 5% every five years to reward and encourage loyalty.

Not once a mention here of the player. Gus is saying the player has to go. What about the player what happens if a brisbane kid only chance when he is young to sign with a Sydney team and he does 2 years there gets home sick and wants to go back to Brisbane but the warriors are the highest bidders. He had to go to New Zealand? Gus makes no sense and this is a howler.

Gus dribbling actual crap here.

The issue that sparked this is totally beside thenpoint of what theyre saying. Wighton clearly made this deal months before the start of the season

Get rid of the salary cap simple

Simple Solution here Transfer window between October after the grand final and 2 weeks before the season starts, thats 5 and a bit months to sort out all signings and releases An exception to releasing someone early to the superleague, thus denying another nrl team to swap a player to Its been dumb to have players change teams mid season

I agree with Gus to the point where there should be a system in place that should say when a player can start looking for other options than to stay at a club. Signing to a new club for whatever reason during the first quarter/half of the season regardless of the current contract can raise issues for the club, teammates and coaches, professionally, and as we have seen recently, emotionally. It "can" cause a blindness in judgement and professionalism within how a player can play during the rest of their season, or how a coach can form the team. However, I do agree with Gal that all power should be to the player. If a player wants to choose to go to a different club for a particular reason, whether it be to win a premiership, to play in a different city, broaden experiences, whatever, then that should be up to the player. They should have full control over where they want to go, regardless of money, so long as they uphold their current contract. They are choosing to play at a club for less money than resigning for more. That should say enough about the player's motive, and should be supported and approved, rather than condemned. I think this whole topic would not be talked about if it hadn't been a huge player like Jack Wighton, who has been at the Raiders for over a decade, had won many awards and had represented his state and country. The man wants to do something different in his career. He has proven himself multiple times that he is a valuable player and asset, and wants to join a team that he believes can finally let him achieve his goals. Why not let him?

just add a transfer window so people arent negotiating contracts in middle of season.... its the cause for the whole issue. Keeps NRL in media in offseason too.

No other pro sport in the world has a draft for free agents .. Gus is getting too old and bitter these days

"Our country is not set up for an external draft" AFL - hold my beer

I don't know why Gal has a seat on any panel, he can't even string a sentence together. By the way I vote Gus as president of Rugby League

That was poor from Gus, can’t remember seeing him this irrational 🤣

This debate should get sorted out in the boxing ring.

Why does anyone listen to Gould what does he think he's a football God or something.

Love gal

We need a trade period. Clubs can trade players and get something in return for them.

Gotta agree with Gal

A draft only really works for a national sport like the AFL but it comes with all sorts of concessions like sydney getting a salary cap concession because of the higher cost of living. Clubs like the warriors would suffer because there is no guarantee that they will keep their best players and australian players would never go across plus a draft for registered players would almost be a restraint of trade. If i live and play in the eastern suburbs or the gold coast i wouldnt want to move to canberra or auckland.

I think a player should not be allowed to negotiate with any team until the season is over., and only if their contract ends that year, no signing with a year still left on their contract. And player managers should not be allowed to have more than 3 players on their books as they hold too much power with having over 5 players at a club they can manipulate that club. That leaves 3 or so months to sign players before they start pre-season come January (yes I know some teams start before that) that way it will keep it fairer than it is now.

Poor gal to many punches in the head

Gould and Salary cap destroyed Penrith and it's obvious teams like Easts and Souths are continually cheating the cap

Gal won that one, just abit disappointed Gus didn't have a better argument.

Still waiting for Gus to apologise to Joseph Suaalii and his family for insulting him, placing his preference about who he plays for, before the well being or Joseph’s family and extended family, taking them all out of poverty and sounding like an absolute privileged and arrogant fork wit.

If a player has been with a club for a certain amount of years he should be able to choose where he wants to go as it is in the AFL a free agency period,but just don’t do it mid season make at seasons end.

Why couldn't the league work around a draft system? Not all clubs have equal development systems, for example Brisbane has always been taking local Gold Coast talent and putting young players in their system. It would help teams who are constantly struggling each year and teams who don't have as much money like Sydney, Souths and Brisbane. I understand both sides to some of the comments about wanting to play for your childhood club but this is their profession and players drafted would only be in 1 or 2 year contracts. Having a draft and free angency period would allow clubs, like the Raiders and their situation, to understand a player (Jack Wighton) is looking to test the market and can receive something back for him (draft pick or player) instead of feeling empty handed. It would also get rid of this loan crap that doesn't make that much sense at all. Players could request a trade but if under contract it would be the clubs decision. NRL players in recent years have been requesting releases anyway.

I remember Gal playing 5/8 for Cronulla ...And i am QLD'er ....I think there should be a salary cap allowance for clubs /players that stay with a team and become successful . it will promote better clubs and focus on development and can only be good for the game . The teams that are rich and can continue to just buy players/3rd party deals will in a couple of years start falling behind the money spent on developing players Development clubs ..Proof is in the Pudding at Penrith Gus took on the " QLD delopment style " for Penrith and they are a real chance of going 3 in row perhaps 4 . They are Up there with Melbourne and Roosters Broncos For success ... As blue eyed as Gus is he knows Football , So does Gal even on the Blue eyed Panel .. We call call wide NSW world of sports ..

He wouldn't be complaining if Wighton singed with the bulldogs

I don't agree with a draft at all have a transfer window in the middle of the season and at the end.

I think the issue is that jack said he wanted to be on the open market, implying he wanted to get the most money possible, then changed the line so that he went to a club that was paying significantly less it was about premierships, which makes people think this was done months ago

Go the Rabbithos!

do we forget footy players are people too ? what if he wants to live at a certain place like i am not often on gals side but this time I am

We live in a country where people are offended by a cheese brand name.. I honestly don’t see a draft system working here.

Gal makes sense here. Can see why Gus is combative, as mentioned "he runs a football club". Without a drafting system "forcing" players to go to lower ranked clubs (bulldogs), they would have a hard time recruiting unless they pay well over market value.

Vote on a top 30 or 40 players in the league players every year. Each club cannot have more than 3 or 4 players from the group. THEN maybe you can remove the salary cap.

You are dead set right gal

I know this would take years to plan out and obviously a lot of things would need to fall in line to make it work, but why don't we adopt a draft system similar to America and use Universities to be apart of these development squads. Barely ever see articles around NSW cup besides when an NRL players gets put their for a game or 2 besides the North Bears being close to home I've never heard anyone talking about an experience or any excitement around NSW Cup

How did Phil Gould maintain composure trying to explain this to Gal ? Is Paul Gallen thick or what ? A part of what Gus said later in his intro , was having a draft would at least spread players around evenly. Gallen asks " What system do we do then ? " SMH ....Did he just hear what Gould just said ?

Didn’t Terry Hill put the draft in the bin

think we need to be trying to change the nrl into a system of european football. I think they should have the same transfer window type stuff and promotion/relegation BUT put in salary caps based on the league you're in. So if your in nrl you get 10 mill if you're in the teir below 8 million etc. keeps teams relatively balanced and punishes poor cap management (tigers) and by having salary cap teirs you can make sure the best players are still in the nrl as if you get relegated you have to decrease your cap sell some players and work your way back up. The flaw in the epl is big clubs man u, liverpool etc have 150+million caps while burnely, leeds etc have like 60 mill.

Conflict gets ratings.

You cant tell people where they are going to work, Hey Gus your off to coach cowboys juniors cause it is in games best interest

Gus think player are item to auction and just a property for clubs to pick and choose no freedom for the player. no wonder he hate suaalii and so on. he want the club to have the power to keep player even if they don't want to and club can get rid of you if they want to