New powers enabling NRL boss Dave Smith to lure big-name players pose a huge threat to rugby union in Australia, says former Wallaby Phil Waugh.
The NRL on Wednesday unveiled a raft of rule changes to be introduced next season, including the ability for Smith to retain or recruit marquee stars outside the salary cap.
Waugh, who played 79 matches for the Wallabies, said rugby union in Australia was already struggling financially and suggested the NRL's latest move could deepen the pain if it snared drawcards like Kurtley Beale.
"It's a huge threat," Waugh told Fox Sports on Thursday.
"There's a lot of talk about the money out of Europe in rugby and the threat that's going to be to Australian rugby.
"Then you add to that the threat of the NRL as well, it's actually very difficult times for the Australian Rugby Union."
The former NSW Waratahs skipper acknowledged the Waratahs could come under pressure, with the likes of Beale and code-hopper Israel Folau - out of contract at the end of 2015 - potential NRL targets.
"We all hope that the Waratahs do well and continue to do well," Waugh said.
"If they do well, you start to see more interest in the game in Sydney - which is obviously critical to the growth of rugby in Australia.
"So a lot depends on how the Waratahs go over the next period of time.
"I think the NRL will look at guys like Kurtley Beale and guys who excel in rugby union but have the ability to crossover into rugby league.
"This new initiative by the NRL is a huge threat to those top-line players."
Waugh said he believed Folau's decision about his future would based more on opportunity than money, especially after his experience playing Tests in front of 70,000-plus fans in Europe with the Wallabies last year.
"It's probably more than just the money - it's more that it's a global game, the experience of playing in front of huge crowds," he added.
"And with the World Cup in 2015, there's a lot to stay in rugby for."
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