Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler says the NRL must reduce the number of clubs in Sydney for the betterment of the rugby league in Australia.

With Sonny Bill Williams' shock exit to French rugby stirring debate about the salary cap and the NRL's ability to ward off cashed-up European club's from snatching their top talent, Fittler said it was time the league took some hard measures by spreading the competition further afield.

"I don't know the ramifications of moving a club out of Sydney (but) I'm sure it's only going to be for the good," Fittler told reporters.

"We've got nine clubs at the moment and it is not rating that great (on TV in Sydney) or as good as it does in Brisbane.

"We've got great areas in Queensland where we get massive support and I don't think we make tough decisions.

"Newcastle get great support and I'm sure the Central Coast would, I'm sure the Sunshine Coast would and sure there are a lot of areas we could really utilise where we get great support."

Fittler claimed Williams' decision to walk out of his five-year deal with the Bulldogs and fly to Europe at the weekend had made a "mockery" of the contract system.

Along with Roosters star Braith Anasta, Fittler also backed the retention of the salary cap amid reports Williams' legal team was preparing to argue that it was a restraint of trade.

"That's crap. He's our highest paid player isn't he?" Fittler said.

Anasta added: "You've got to have a salary cap so the comp's even and every club can form a team because a few are struggling."

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