NRL 2020: Shock as players refuse to return to training
NRL players infuriated club bosses over their stance on a new pay deal that put rugby league’s May 28 reboot date back on shaky ground, ahead of a key meeting with officials later today.
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Rugby league’s biggest stars have refused to guarantee they will show for work on Monday, despite claiming they are not part of a player revolt over ongoing NRL pay deals.
While all 16 NRL clubs are supposed to restart training on May 4, the Rugby League Players Association has revealed its members could be absent unless “clarity” is brought to a whole range of issues – including wages.
Despite concerns the situation could potentially derail the hyped May 28 return date, RLPA chief executive Newton stressed his members were “committed” to getting back on the field by then.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Newton revealed he could not guarantee the players from all 16 NRL clubs would present for training next Monday, despite suggestions they will have been paid for May.
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That was despite ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys confirming that, while the NRL broadcast deal is yet to be signed off, he had offered players 80 per cent of their contracts for the 2020 season.
Asked by The Daily Telegraph if players understood how a boycott would look in the midst of a global health pandemic, Newtown stressed the issue was about far more than money.
The RLPA chief also referred to a media statement which listed six points still requiring attention, including biosecurity protocols, injury management and the welfare support for players and families.
“This is not a pay dispute,” Newton stressed. “And it’s not a player revolt.
“We can’t say that enough.
“This is about getting clarity on answers we have requested throughout this whole process to ensure everyone is fully aware of the terms and conditions players will be bound by.
“This is an open and transparent discussion with the NRL over the issues listed.
“And yes pay is part of that
“But at the same time those others issues, particularly around biosecurity and medical protocols, are critical.
“Because that’s what the players are going to be bound by for unknown period of time.”
Pushed on the players having been offered 80 per cent of their wages, Newton continued:
“There has been no definitive pay offer because we aren’t aware of the numbers.
“Not only broadcast revenue but the sponsorship connected to it.
“And it’s important to get definitive numbers.”
It is understood the player movement begun on Wednesday evening during a phone hook-up between representatives from all 16 NRL clubs, when Warriors players are said to have expressed concern over several issues, including how much they will be paid this year.
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Given the sacrifice the Aucklanders are making to keep the game alive, they argued, it was a fair request to have clarity around several issues before leaving their families for an undisclosed period.
“Players are part of the community,” Newton said. “So they remain acutely aware of the pain and hardship that is out there right now.
“Which is why they have been so committed to get back on May 28.
“And that hasn’t changed.”
Asked if the players would be present on Monday, Newton added: “We are working on that.
“But we are still waiting on detail from the NRL. And everyone is working feverishly to get it done.”
Newton said there is a hit-list of items the players need sorted before they return.
These include;
● Final biosecurity and medical protocol;
● Insurances and health protections in place for players, club staff and officials who are subject to the protocols;
● Clear guidance on any health and safety regimes that will apply to the players, club staff and officials who are subject to the protocols;
● A plan for the wellbeing and welfare support for players and their families;
● Medical and injury management support for players;
● Transparency of the NRL revenues based on the revised 2020 NRL competition structure and the distribution of player payments; and
● Detail on Government approval for interstate and internationally based teams in relation to their travel, training and playing environment.
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“We are in ongoing discussions with the NRL and our members today regarding a range of employment matters that require clarification,” Newton said.
“We have requested further information and clear direction from the NRL and we are committed to continuing to work through this process in good faith.”
From the outset, Warriors CEO Cameron George has always maintained his franchise would not be leaving New Zealand until they had clarity around proposed pay deals.
Now however, it seems players from other NRL clubs are also willing to wait it out too.
As the news of the potential boycott broke on Thursday morning, RLPA president Clint Newtown was already in talks with player representatives from across the 16 NRL clubs.
Warriors officials could also not confirm what, if any, movement players like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck were leading.
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As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, all 16 NRL coaches have already agreed to delay a return to training until the Warriors had arrived to quarantine in their Tamworth base.
Initially, that was thought to be this Sunday.
So confident were the Warriors of heading to Australia this Sunday, a charter plane has already been hired to carry 50 players and staff across the ditch.
As a result, those in Tamworth responsible for setting up the Warriors quarantine ‘fortress’ have not only spent this week constructing an NRL gym in an events centre adjacent to the team hotel, but also installed basketball hoops, table tennis tables, even video game consoles.
Preparations were already being made for the Warriors’ arrival in Tamworth, where they were to initially be based and allowed to train while in quarantine.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government was satisfied that rugby league’s travelling franchise would be able to remain effectively quarantined while training in a “fortress” facility that includes the $2 million Scully Park complex.
From there, the New Zealanders are due to shift to a new camp somewhere on the Central Coast, and only a short bus ride to Newcastle, where they were to play their games.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Shock as players refuse to return to training
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