November 1 has come and gone but player contracts remain the talk of the town just days out from the World Cup semis which has led to one of the game’s biggest stars calling for a change to the current system.

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The free agency circus has and will continue to dominate headlines in coming weeks drawing attention away from the games being played.

Storm skipper Harry Grant’s future has become a major talking point, amid the contract circus, after he was linked with a move to the Titans despite having another year at Melbourne and an option for 2028.

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There is no easy solution to sort out the current system, but there have been calls for a dedicated transfer window to clean it up with fans sick of seeing players sign for a rival club a year in advance.

Grant would like to see fewer games played which would allow players to focus on their futures at the end of the season.

As it stands, some teams started their pre-season fixtures on February 7, with the top players to finish their World Cup commitments on November 15 after a gruelling NRL season where the games are quicker than ever before.

“Maybe we could shorten the season,” Grant said.

“Then you have a World Cup where everyone can play footy, and you have your conversations off the back of that. I’m not sure.

“That’s an easy idea, and I know there’s an understanding that maybe a shorter season would get a bit more footy and open up some rep windows with Origin, Australia, Samoa and Tonga.

“You see what the game’s bringing in now, so maybe that’s part of it too.”

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The game will look very different in a few years with Perth and PNG about to enter the competition which could lead to conference systems and a new-looks finals format.

That will take serious discussions between stakeholders including the Rugby League Players Association and the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“There are obviously conversations, but I’d like to think we can have some mature conversations collectively going forward,” Grant said.

“I’ve certainly got some opinions myself, but it doesn’t mean they’re always right. They’re just a feel thing and an understanding.

“Collectively, if you get a few things that you think can take the game forward in a better fashion, then I’m all for it, but you’ve got to have support throughout to do that too.”



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