Well it does on two counts, firstly it is a cartel conspiring to keep the market value artificially low, which in and of itself could be challenged regardless of any player proving anything at all. Secondly it is unreasonable for a professional sports team to pay only one player, there is no chance that any team could, by the laws of the RFL, pay only one player. Sam Tomkins cant take to the field on his own and there are restrictions on amateur players playing in SL. All a player would need to prove is that his wage was restricted by the SC. There is plenty stopping Wigan paying Sam Tomkins £1.65m, just as there is plenty stopping Sam Tomkins earning £500k. The fact the reason for that is that they have paid more to other players isn’t really relevant, there is a restriction on how much Sam Tomkins can earn.

There would likely be no argument over whether it is a restraint of trade by anybody (since it clearly is) though there could be an argument over whether or not it is reasonable. Though as the players get nothing in return for this sacrifice im not sure how anyone could argue it was.

A swear jar from Tim Howard would at least be a start though.