NRL players back season-end trade period

Sydney Roosters players have endorsed the idea of an off-season trade period in the NRL following Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s shock defection to the Warriors.

Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou said on Wednesday they were saddened by the news their teammate had signed a three-year deal with the Auckland-based club from 2016.

While believing Tuivasa-Sheck had made the best decision for his family, who are from New Zealand, the pair agreed they would prefer a window for contract negotiations at the end of each season.

“It would be ideal to have it at the end of the year so there’s no distractions during the season,” Jennings said.

“It’s good that it’s out and we can just move forward, really.”

The 2015 season is barely a month old but already a host of big names – including Daly Cherry Evans, Kieran Foran and Trent Merrin – have announced they’re leaving their current clubs next year.

Tupou reckons restricting movements to post-season would be beneficial for clubs and players.

“Yeah, I reckon that’ll be good,” he told AAP.

“I mean it’s better off that way, that they leave it to the end, so we can just concentrate on footy.”

Tuivasa-Sheck’s signing could be good news for Tupou, who himself is off-contract this year and wants to stay at the club where he made his NRL debut in 2012.

But the 23-year-old said he hadn’t even considered the implications on the salary cap and where he would fit in the equation.

“I’m just trying each week to improve myself and do my best for the team,” he said.

“I haven’t really thought of any of that – I’ve just left it with my manager and, hopefully, he’ll take care of that.

“I love the club and I’d love to stay here. I’ve just got to wait and see what happens.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!