Super League's new transfer window to go live as full changes explained

The first significant day on the next rugby league transfer window arrives this Sunday morning, with all out-of-contract players at the end of 2025 now free to speak to other clubs about potential moves for the 2026 season.

What is the change?

The RFL confirmed that they will amend the previous May 1 rule earlier this year, with the official transfer window now brought forward to December 1, 2024, allowing all Super League clubs to sign players up to a full year before they join their new club.

Why has the change been made?

The general perception was that clubs and agents didn't adhere to the May 1 rule anyway, with the alteration allowing all parties five more months of official recruitment to get deals done.

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Super League clubs will now be able to speak to players of interest as soon as they're in the final 12 months of their contract.

What about the NRL—does the Super League now align with Australia?

Yes. The December 1 change is beneficial for overseas recruitment, with the UK window now aligned with the NRL, allowing Super League clubs to negioate deals with overseas-based players. They were previously supposed to wait until May 1, potentially missing out on deals to other NRL clubs.

Does the December 1 rule only apply to Super League clubs?

Yes. The ruling only applies to full-time players, with those part-time in the Championship and League 1 competitions still adhering to the May 1 rule. Let the transfer fun begin.

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