NRL clubs finally agree on 2018 salary cap

The NRL's long-running salary cap saga is one step closer to being resolved, with the league and the clubs agreeing to offer $9.4 million to the players' union for next season.

Representatives from all 16 clubs agreed on the figure at a high-powered meeting on Thursday, which is inclusive of an optional $200,000 allowance for long-serving players and development.

Motor vehicle allowance is also included in the figure, which will be put to the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) on Friday morning before players convene on Monday.

The figure is halfway between the $9.6 million requested by cash-strapped clubs earlier this week, and the $9.2 million sought by those with room to move in their budgets.

TOUGH TIMES: Bulldogs players open up on salary cap woes

Canterbury chairman Ray Dib, whose club is struggling to fit into next year's cap, said the decision was a unanimous one by all clubs.

"It's a great outcome for everyone," he said.

"We're all united, we're all one now."

Representatives from a number of clubs said they were confident the players' union would accept the figure, which forms part of wider-ranging collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

"It's an incredible pay off for the players, they should be delighted," Melbourne chairman Bart Campbell said.

Meanwhile, Canterbury players are still in the dark over their futures amid speculation the Bulldogs will have to shed several players to fit the NRL's salary cap for next season.

The club is believed to have overspent for 2018, working towards a cap of $10 million.

"It looks like something's got to give," Bulldogs hooker Moses Mbye told reporters in Sydney.

Mbye's name has been raised as someone who might be moved on despite being contracted with the Bulldogs until 2020, with the club's recruitment of Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran on big-money deals potentially breaking the bank.

"We don't know what's playing out inside the club," the 24-year-old said.

"Until you get that conversation, you have that conversation with the coach, CEO or the hierarchy at the club, you don't actually know what's going on.

"If they do come to us, that means it's true."

Several other clubs are also believed to have overspent, including Canberra.

The Bulldogs argue they were told by ARL Commission chairman John Grant last year the cap would be $10 million and the NRL has since created an atmosphere of confusion.

It's believed players including captain James Graham, 31, have reportedly been shopped around.

"I'm sure it's not a pleasant conversation to have," Mbye said.

"He's handling that well. He hasn't spoken to any of the boys about it, I think that's why he's employed his manager to sort that stuff out.

"It'd be a real shame to see James leave."

Five-eighth Matt Frawley admits every player is keeping their cards close to their chest.

"We haven't talked about it at all," Frawley said.

"It's something, whatever personal business is happening, you sort of don't share with the other boys."