Rugby League News: Player Transfers Require More Honesty, Says Former Rhinos Star
Anthony Mullally, the former Leeds Rhinos player known as the ‘Vegan Warrior‘, has called for greater transparency and integrity in the handling of player transfers within rugby league. Mullally, who represented Ireland at two World Cups and had a varied career playing for numerous clubs, including Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, and Wakefield Trinity, believes that players deserve more honesty and power in the transfer process.
Speaking on The Bench podcast with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin, Mullally expressed his desire for a more open and upfront approach from coaches and clubs when it comes to player transfers. “I’d like more honesty and integrity in the way things are handled from coach, from club to coach to player,” he said. “So for example, when a club will come in and try to buy another player, the player is often told ‘everything’s fine, it’s okay’, and then the next thing you get sold.”
Mullally, who won the Grand Final with Leeds Rhinos in 2017, believes that players should be treated as adults and given more information and control over their own futures. “I get that it’s a business but you can still go about things with more openness. Rather than the coach pretending that it’s fine and you’re in the plans, just be honest and open about it. They’re adults at the end of the day.”
The former prop forward also called for a shift in the power dynamic, suggesting that players should have a greater say in the transfer process. “I want more player power, more control. So it’s a big decision being made. I think players and the governing body need to have a say.”
Mullally’s comments come in the wake of the recent saga surrounding John Asiata’s move from Leigh Leopards to Hull FC, where some of Asiata’s comments in a Hull FC statement had not been agreed with the Leopards, leading him to issue an apology.
“I’d like more honesty and integrity in the way things are handled from coach, from club to coach to player.”
- Anthony Mullally, Former Leeds Rhinos Player
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