The NRL has come down hard on two of its powerhouse clubs, fining the Sydney Roosters and the Melbourne Storm after investigations uncovered separate breaches of league regulations.
The Sydney Roosters have been penalised for salary cap breaches linked to the 2025 season, with the NRL confirming the club exceeded the permitted cap parameters. While the league did not allege deliberate wrongdoing, the breach was deemed serious enough to warrant a significant financial sanction, reinforcing the NRL’s long-standing stance on maintaining a level playing field across the competition.
Salary cap compliance remains a cornerstone of the league’s integrity framework, and the Roosters’ punishment serves as a reminder that even the most successful clubs are not immune from scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm have also been hit with a fine after breaching team selection protocols. The NRL found the Storm failed to adhere to established procedures governing squad submissions and eligibility requirements. Although the breach did not impact match results directly, the league stressed that strict compliance with selection rules is essential to ensure transparency and fairness for clubs, players, and fans alike.
In a statement, the NRL reiterated its commitment to enforcing its rules consistently, noting that both penalties are intended to deter future violations.
Both clubs have acknowledged the sanctions and are expected to review internal processes to avoid repeat offences as the 2025 season approaches.
