Rugby great Mike Tindall’s Instagram post featuring him getting special access as he attended one of the biggest NRL games of the year could spell trouble for the code.
A packed house was on hand at Accor Stadium in Sydney’s west on July 9 to watch the Queensland Maroons secure a shock series win over the New South Wales Blues in the deciding match of the 2025 State of Origin series.
Former England international Tindall, who is now part of the British Royal Family, was at the match as the special guest of Queensland coach Billy Slater.
Tindall is married to Zara Tindall – daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II – and they have three children together.
He also became close friends with Slater after they crossed paths at a polo event in Queensland back in January 2024.
Tindall has since posted a series of behind-the-scenes photos and videos from his State of Origin experience, which saw him and his wife given access to the Maroons dressing room.
Former England international Mike Tindall and his wife Zara Trindall, daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, were guests at State of Origin game three (pictured)
The couple were special guests of Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater (second from left) and his wife Nicole
Trindall is also the founder of R360, a rebel rugby union competition that will target some of the NRL’s biggest names
‘So so so good to be at the ‘Decider’ of #stateoforigin2025. Incredible atmosphere and fair play to the Maroons after an emotional week, being able to put that emotion on the field in a great team performance,’ he posted to Instagram.
‘Thanks to @b1slater and [wife] @nicoleroseart for looking after us so well. Was amazing to be in the changing rooms and see everything that makes rugby (both codes) an incredible sport.’
While the post and images may seem innocent enough, they should send chills down the spines of the ARL Commission that manages the NRL and every head coach in the game.
Tindall is coming for the NRL’s best talent, and the post was proof he got handed an access-all-areas pass to window-shop the most elite talent rugby league has to offer.
The 46-year-old is a key ambassador for the breakaway rugby union competition R360, which needs to sign 200 players by September and is actively eyeing NRL talent.
With the NRL expanding from 17 to 19 teams in the next few years, competition for players is fierce – and Tindall’s involvement hints at a looming recruitment war between league and rebel rugby.
R360 – short for Rugby 360 – is a proposed global, franchise-based league set to launch in September 2026.
Co-founded by Tindall, it’s backed by investors from Saudi Arabia, the US, UK, and elite sports franchises like Premier League, F1 and NFL.
Tindall’s behind-the-scenes access raises eyebrows as R360 prepares to raid league’s top stars with massive salary offers
Maroons star Kalyn Ponga could be a prime target for R360 given his rugby background and previous openness to exploring global options
Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues star Nathan Cleary could be another target, given he has already achieved it all in the NRL and has previously been the subject of speculation about making a switch to union
It aims to bring together around 300 top international players in eight men’s and four women’s teams.
The competition would be scheduled across 16 rounds in condensed seasons split between April–June and August–September to avoid clashing with international windows.
The concept borrows from the IPL cricket and LIV Golf models, featuring city-based teams, entertainment-packed match days, and seven-figure salaries for stars.
Already a host of NRL players have been linked to the rebel competition.
Newcastle Knights star Kalyn Ponga could be a major target for R360, especially given his recent openness to exploring options outside rugby league and previous experience playing the 15-a-side game.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is reportedly one of their top targets, with the Melbourne Storm fullback said to be weighing a multi-million dollar offer as his current deal ends in 2026.
New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has also attracted interest, with reports suggesting he could be offered a contract worth around $1.5million per season.
Nathan Cleary, the Panthers’ premiership-winning halfback, is another marquee name being circled, with speculation around a potential $3million annual offer – figures well beyond what the NRL salary cap can accommodate.
