Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray has knocked back the riches on offer in breakaway competition Rugby 360 to remain with South Sydney.
Gray had been offered a deal worth $US600,000 (A$920,000) per annum to switch codes, a huge pay bump given he was on just under $200,000 for this year and next at the Rabbitohs. The R360 deal was all the more appealing given that some or all of the money could be declared tax-free depending on where committed players reside.
A complicating factor for potential league defectors is that any player or agent who enters into talks with R360 faces a 10-year ban.
Having weighed up the NRL’s stance, and the offer of a contract extension, sources speaking anonymously due to confidentially have said Gray has decided to remain a Rabbitoh. The deal hasn’t yet been officially signed, but that is expected to happen shortly.
Gray has been an unexpected star for the Rabbitohs, making 19 NRL appearances this season after notching 13 in 2024. The 21-year-old has filled in capably at fullback when Latrell Mitchell has been injured and could take on the role full-time in 2026.
At one point early in the year, he was the Dally M medal leader, and he was rewarded with selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII side that defeated Papua New Guinea.
Jye Gray has opted not to switch codes.Credit: Getty Images
Gray has a history in the 15-man code. He made his mark in rugby during three years at The Southport School, a prestigious GPS school on the Gold Coast, with the school’s former coach, Mike Wallace, rating the utility back among the best players he had overseen. At one stage, the Queensland Reds had also expressed interest, but he will focus on his league career.
Gray’s decision is a blow to R360, although their chief focus has been on signing up established rugby union talent rather than NRL players. However, there is still a chance they could nab several marquee rugby league players.
