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Benji Marshall's bid for a guest stint playing rugby union in Japan took another hit yesterday with the NRL board unanimously supporting plans to block such proposals.
The New Zealand international had flagged a possible offseason stint in Japan between contracts at the Wests Tigers, but the move has been vetoed by NRL chief executive David Gallop and now by the board.
While the chances of Marshall landing a lucrative deal in Japan continue to lengthen, the board's ruling on Monday put another dent in the Kiwi's fading options.
"In essence the board's view is that rugby league is not a part-time occupation," Gallop said.
"The game and its commercial partners invest millions of dollars each year in creating an environment that is unmatched in intensity and excitement.
"You can't maintain that while allowing rival codes, rival sponsors and rival networks to market NRL players at the same time.
"The board feels that there can be no question, therefore, that the NRL has a clear stake in this issue.
"We also have to be careful not to allow managers and clubs to open artificial arrangements that circumvent the salary cap."
Meanwhile the NRL board also endorsed the progress of the two-referee system being introduced this year.
- AAP
