A handful of representative players live within the Hunter region and on the Central Coast, but the newly formed Knights are struggling to strike a blow in recruitment despite the NRL's top-30 central contract system.

Under the model, 24 tier one players have a $28,000 contract with the NRL and are offered to one of the six clubs, with six tier two players contracted for a negotiable wage with some freedom to choose where they play.

To equalise the talent in the expanding competition, each club is set to get four tier one stars and only one tier two player.

It's understood maximum club wages are capped at $16,000 with minimum wage contracts worth $8000 for the season, while players can also attract third party deals.

Complicating matters is players have the freedom to knock back a tier one contract if it's offered by the NRL and accept a deal with whichever club they like.

This appears to be the case at some foundation clubs with some of the game's stars opting to stay loyal to the colours they have played in for the past three seasons.

Although it's early days in the recruitment process, the situation is causing a strain for the new clubs who need a helping hand to get started.

Fundamental to the NRL's expansion plans is ensuring a competitive competition they can sell to broadcasters, with the game set to move from six to eight teams in 2022.

Regardless, foundation clubs St George Illawarra, Brisbane and Sydney Roosters have a head start.

Three-time premiers the Broncos appear set to keep most of their big name players, although it's understood some have accepted a tier one deal to move to the newly formed Gold Coast.

The Dragons appear set to keep Kezzie Apps, but could lose Jess Sergis to the Roosters, while Western Sydney's new club Parramatta are likely to land Simaima Taufa from the Roosters on a tier one deal.

Finalising contracts is a time consuming process.

When players knock back one of the 24 tier-one deals, the NRL will recruit a new player in their place to ensure all clubs have a spread of talent.

However, frustration is growing in the Hunter.

The NRL has urged the Knights to be patient while contracts are sorted out over the coming weeks, but new coach Blake Green is eager to get started on his squad.

Pre-season training is expected to start at most clubs mid July, with the competition to kick off in August, coinciding with the NRL's round 23.

Australian Associated Press