The NRL statement said: โClubs have been advised that the definition of tampering will now include certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another club.
โThe new regulations have been created, in conjunction with the Rugby League Players Association, in line with the CBA [collective-bargaining agreement], and are designed to protect each clubโs contract and negotiation rights during the term of a playerโs contracted employment with a club.โ
The new rules will come into effect on February 1. They will not apply to players who have been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
The NRL said potential penalties include fines, salary-cap sanctions and, โin the most serious circumstancesโ, deregistration of officials, agents and/or players.
Gould was not the only high-profile figure last season to publicly discuss a contracted player at a rival club.
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In August, South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett confirmed he was interested in recruiting enigmatic Gold Coast back-rower David Fifita, who he had previously coached at Brisbane.
โI donโt know what the situation is with David and the Titans,โ Bennett told News Corp.
โIf he is available, I would be interested, yes for sure. Until he gets permission to talk, we pretty much have our hands tied. If he comes onto the market I would be interested in him.โ
The Titans duly granted permission for Fifita to explore his options and confirmed they had released him from the final year of his contract on October 29. The Rabbitohs announced they had signed him to a two-year deal on the same day.
