The prospect of players meeting with rival clubs 18 months before the termination of their contracts will be addressed under the NRL's push for new transfer rules, says ARLC boss Peter V'landys.
The game's unique contracting system was exposed again in recent weeks with Melbourne star Cameron Munster able to meet with the Dolphins regarding the 2024 season.
While NRL rules dictate players cannot be offered a contract until the final 12 months of their deal, there is nothing to stop them from meeting with rivals.
Munster is contracted with the Storm until the end of next year but his meetings with Wayne Bennett were deemed legal, so long as a contract was not formally tabled before November.
Under the same rules there is nothing stopping the NRL's longest-contracted players like Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga from meeting with rivals to discuss a deal for 2028 and beyond.
Contracting systems were already set to be a significant part of collective bargaining agreement discussions in coming months, with players preferring the freedom of the current model.
At the core of their argument is a player's value could significantly diminish if they are injured late in a season and before putting pen to paper with a new club.
The NRL, however, is not in favour of contracts being signed up to 12 months in advance.
"I think there is a better system that can be provided," V'landys told AAP.
"We do acknowledge that players have a finite period to earn their income. We want to make sure that is protected.
"But at the same time the people who provide the revenue, which are the fans, aren't alienated.
"We have to get the balance right and the balance isn't right at the moment."
Asked whether players meeting with clubs more than a year out from signing was a concern, V'landys suggested it would be part of the changes.
"I just think the whole system needs re-doing," V'landys said.
"There has to be getting a balance that allows a player to earn as much as he can in his finite career without alienating the fans.
"And if (meeting so far in advance) is what upsets the fans, then we need to look at it."
It comes as Melbourne confirmed on Thursday they were closely watching the Munster situation, with Bennett stating on Tuesday he would love to have the playmaker in 2023 or 2024.
Under NRL rules, clubs cannot induce players to break from their contract at a rival.
The Storm are yet to publicly criticise the Dolphins on the matter, but have made clear they will not release Munster early.
Warriors boss Cameron George has also told clubs to back off Reece Walsh, who is also contracted until the end of 2023 but seen as a target for rivals.
