NRL clubs are on the warpath and firmly in their sights is the November 1 transfer rule.

The biggest supporter of the rule, RLPA boss Clint Newton has brought the issue to a head himself.

He angered many when he defended the rule as fallout around the Lachie Galvin exit from the Wests Tigers dominated headlines for weeks.

A fortnight ago, Newton yet again rejected a trade window, saying the bigger issue was clubs dumping players it didn’t want.

His comments went flying around NRL club CEO chat groups.

He said: “What is more concerning is players are shoulder-tapped and told to leave the club at a far greater rate than players are legally securing their futures, yet shoulder-tapping rarely gets a mention in the media.”

Let’s pull that rubbish to pieces bit by bit.

Contract chaos .… Ben Hunt, Lachlan Galvin, Josh Addo-Carr, Terrell May.Credit: Getty Images

For starters, when a player is ‘shoulder-tapped’ their contract amounts are protected by the NRL, which ensures they are not short-changed when they join a rival club. They’re not punted and left on the breadline. They’re guaranteed the same money.

The scenario mightn’t be ideal, but the legal protection is greatly in the player’s favour.

When a player wants out 18 months early, as Galvin did, he........

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