Here Comes the Money?

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This week, the 12 Super League clubs unanimously agreed to retain the salary cap at it's current £2.1 million level for the 2021 season. That decision was not unforeseeable, but the unanimous decision was.

Well-placed media sources indicated that the clubs were split evenly, with Salford holding the casting vote. So what changed? Perhaps we will never know, although it seems as though some new substantive detail came to light to persuade six or so clubs to change their mind. Was it the many Super League players social media campaign to have a greater say in the sport's governance? Or something else?
On balance, the decision seems to be the correct one. The salary cap has enjoyed only nominal increases since its introduction and to have reduced the cap would have sent the wrong message.

Those in favour of the salary cap generally often say that it is necessary to even up the competition. If that was the aim, then sadly it has failed. Only four clubs have won the Super League since the salary cap was introduced 24 years ago. For comparison, in the 24-years preceding the salary cap, 13 different sides enjoyed the tag of champions.

To reduce the salary cap would seem to create an artificial race to the bottom. It would seek to drag the top clubs down to the level of the lower clubs, rather than the other way around. It may mean more England internationals heading to the NRL and fewer high profile players heading the other way.

The consequence would likely see a reduction in the competition's quality and standing. This ultimately would benefit nobody. 

The counter argument is that in times of such financial and societal upheaval, it is inevitable that as a sport we must cut our cloth. It would be naïve to suggest that will not be necessary. But is a reduction in the salary cap the way to do it?

I am not convinced. The salary cap does not stipulate a minimum spend. If a club chooses to reduce their salary outlay, they can do so without forcing all other clubs, who may not feel likewise, to do the same.

Nothing is ever simple in rugby league. Little ever passes without an argument and the salary cap is no different. However, on this occasion, despite the wrangling, it seems that the Super League clubs have reached the correct conclusion.

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