In a shock move that’s sent ripples through the rugby league world, R360 has swooped on South Sydney fullback Jye Gray with a stunning $900,000 deal — despite the youngster having played just 28 NRL games.
The rebel competition, known for aggressively pursuing established stars, has taken a bold new direction by locking in the 21-year-old Rabbitohs flyer, who has quickly built a reputation as one of the game’s most exciting young prospects.
Sources close to the deal say R360 sees Gray as a long-term investment — a fresh face with electric speed and sharp footwork who can help spearhead the competition’s next generation.
It’s a major coup that raises serious questions about the NRL’s ability to retain emerging talent, particularly as R360 continues to flex its financial muscle.
Gray has been a standout in a struggling Rabbitohs outfit this season, showing maturity beyond his years under the high ball and carving up defensive lines with his elusive running game.
While the Rabbitohs were reportedly keen to extend Gray’s contract, the lure of a near seven-figure payday — and the opportunity to be a marquee player in the new competition — proved too strong to ignore.
The move marks a shift in R360’s recruitment strategy, which had previously focused on luring veteran stars from the NRL and overseas leagues. Gray’s signing signals a fresh focus on youth and development — and could set off a wave of similar raids on the NRL’s rising stars.
With the competition set to launch its debut season next year, insiders say more bombshell signings are on the horizon.
