A major shake-up is on the horizon for rugby league, with reports that up to 10 NRL players are set to leave the code and sign with a new rebel rugby union competition, R360, after it officially received the green light to launch in 2026.
According to Code Sports, the competition will kick off on October 2, 2026, after securing the required funding and player interest. Official contracts have reportedly been sent to player agents, and high-profile NRL names are believed to have signed on.
Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen, Parramatta Eels winger Zac Lomax, and Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray are among those reportedly committed to the new league.
Founded by former England rugby player Mike Tindall, R360 is offering lucrative contracts.
New Zealand Warriors veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also widely expected to join, while Melbourne Storm’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Cronulla’s Will Kennedy have reportedly held talks with organisers. Asofa-Solomona remains under contract with Storm until 2027, but it is rumoured that they are open to him exploring his options.
Papenhuyzen, whose contract ends in 2026, would be able to make a smooth transition.
Earlier this year, reports suggested Gray had been offered around $900,000 per season.
On NRL 360, host Braith Anasta said rumours surrounding R360 signings have intensified.
“There have been rumours around Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona,” Anasta said on Tuesday night.
“I’ve been doing bit of digging around and talking to people, and I heard a rumour today that Zac Lomax is about to sign a deal with them (R360) and there is a big chance he’s played his last game for Parramatta.”
Lomax, 26, is a standout player, with 58 tries across 133 NRL games and recent appearances in both State of Origin and international Tests.
The timing of the announcement is awkward for the NRL, coinciding with the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, where players are expected to be asked about the emerging competition.
NRL boss Peter V’landys has previously dismissed the rebel league but acknowledged this week that the situation is being closely monitored.
“Anything that doesn’t have a business model or a financier or a backer, you can’t take seriously,” he said.
“The clubs want the NRL to take some pretty harsh action and we’re considering it. If you have a contract with the NRL we expect you to honour it – and if you don’t, there are going to be consequences.”
Anasta said the growing rumours show the NRL must take R360 seriously.
“It’s speculation, but I’ve heard it from someone close to R360 and it’s something we need to keep an eye on because I believe this is starting to get serious,” he said. “This rumour is the strongest one I’ve heard yet.”
R360 is expected to launch with six men’s teams, none of which will be based in Australia. A player draft will take place in 2025 ahead of the first season, which will run from October to December.
A second season, planned for 2027, will run from April to September with 12 rounds.
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