``We developed an upper tier of players and have eight current internationals. And we have had to develop a second tier of players who have performed outstandingly well in the absence of the top players,'' said Murdoch.

``But we are also aware that if someone was to go out shopping it's probably our second tier of players who are most vulnerable.

``We know for a vast proportion of our season six players will be on national duty. If you are doing any forward planning you have to be apprehensive about retaining your player stocks,'' he said.

Central chief executive Blair Furlong has urged New Zealand Cricket to establish a formal transfer system after complaining Auckland had approached opener Craig Spearman and middle-order batsman Mathew Sinclair. Central has already lost fast bowler Carl Bulfin to Wellington.

``The issue now, as I see it, is if you want to approach a player you should pay his association a fee for doing so before negotiations start with the player,'' said Furlong.

Murdoch thought that suggestion was ``novel'' but said Canterbury had supported a transfer system when it was first raised by Northern Districts two years ago, and again at a recent meeting of chief executives.

``The discussions seemed to raise as many issues as they solved. Whether it's ratified (by the NZC) or not is a moot point,'' he said.

``There is a lot of material from overseas, particularly Australia, relating to restraint of trade practices that would legislate against this.''

Murdoch said players had to be considered. Cricket world wide was riddled with stories of players, guaranteed work for only five or six months each year, transferring for better deals.

Canterbury had been involved in very little player traffic.

All-rounder Hamish Barton arrived from Auckland yesterday, and medium-fast bowler Warren Wisneski came from Central.

Both moved to Canterbury for the challenge of playing with a top team, said Murdoch.

Llorne Howell had returned to Canterbury from Central to base himself in one locality and quickly earned New Zealand honours.

``Canterbury has over the last three years been the best payer of players.

``Whether that remains is uncertain because NZC is looking to encourage standardisation of payment of players,'' said Murdoch.