DETAILS OF THE NRL'S MODIFIED TRADE WINDOW PROPOSAL

HOW WOULD IT WORK?

* Players would be able to sign with rival clubs for the following year after June 30.

* For instance, Stephen Crichton would be able to sign with an NRL rival club for 2025 from July 1 2024, rather than November 1, 2023.

* A mid-season trade window would also operate from the end of round 10 to after the State of Origin period, allowing players to transfer clubs immediately if both teams and the player agree.

* A second trade period would exist in the off-season, with on-contract players able to switch clubs immediately if all parties agree.

HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM THE NRL'S LAST PROPOSAL?

* The NRL's initial plan was for players to only be able to sign with a rival for the following season after the grand final.

* In that instance, a player like Stephen Crichton would only have been able to sign with an NRL rival for 2025 from October 2024.

* That was met with stern resistance from the players' union, who were concerned off-contract players who suffered injuries may not be signed for the following year.

WILL THE PLAYERS' UNION SUPPORT THE LATEST PROPOSAL?

* The plan still has extra restraints compared to the players' current contract structure, and is unlikely to be a home run with players. However it seems more favourable to players than the last proposal.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE PAY DISPUTE?

* The trade system is only one factor in a lengthy dispute with an agreement now two-and-a-half months overdue. However, it does show the NRL's willingness to budge on key issues to reach a deal.

* It is unlikely a deal will be reached on the five-year collective bargaining agreement in the short term, but players could be open to the new trade-window plan if a compromise on other matters can be reached.