NRLW CBA confirmed: Five-year deal secures the future of the women’s game

There is renewed hope a pay deal will be struck with NRL players to avoid strike action after a historic agreement ended weeks of drawn-out negotiations with stars from NRLW.

The landmark agreement between the NRL and the players union over the women’s game has raised hopes that the parties can find a compromise over the men’s agreement and finally put an end to talk of industrial action.

The NRL and RLPA released a joint statement on Tuesday morning confirming News Corp’s exclusive report on the details of the historic proposal for female rugby league players, which ends weeks of protracted and tense negotiations centred around the NRLW.

Both parties are now intent on zeroing in on the men’s agreement, which has taken a back seat to allow officials to provide the women with more clarity and certainty.

The most contentious issue in the men’s game remains the RLPA’s quest for autonomy over their finances and agreement rights, sticking points that have threatened to blow up negotiations.

However, there is genuine hope that the agreement on the women’s game will provide a template for compromise over the men’s game.

The true test will be when it comes to talks over control of the $113 million that has been designated to fund retirement and injury hardship funds.

Millie Boyle and Romy Teitzel celebrate the Knights’ 2022 NRLW grand final win. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The RLPA wants to control those purse strings and the NRL are reluctant to cede total authority.

The compromise could be that both have a say in how the money is distributed, at least in the short term. The historic women’s agreement certainly shows that the parties can negotiate a deal, particularly if they lock themselves in a room and devote the time that is necessary to find a way forward.

News Corp broke the news of the agreement on Monday night, revealing key financial details which give female players the security they have long craved.

The key terms include:

policies relating to pregnancy and parental arrangements;

A $900,000 salary cap in 2023, which rises to $1.518 million in 2027;

A minimum wage of $30,000 in 2023, which rises to $50,600 in 2027;

A significant rise in workload with a 20 week season slated in 2023 and 2024, expanding to 23 weeks by 2025;

Every club will have 24 players and four development players;

Every club to be funded with a designated NRLW welfare officer.*

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said head office had worked extremely hard on a range of player benefits and other progressive aspects of the agreement including an allowance for private health insurance along with 12 months contracts and the opportunity for players to sign multi-year contracts from 2023.

A document on the proposed NRL-RLPA agreement on the women’s game.

“The Australian Rugby League Commission is adamant that investment in the women’s game be prioritised at every level and the finalisation of terms for the elite NRLW is just one aspect of that commitment,” Abdo said.

“The proposed investment of $118 million across the 5-year cycle at the elite level factors in future growth of the competition and is also supported by significant investment in pathways and grassroots participation as part of an overall strategy for women’s rugby league development.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the players, RLPA, Clubs and all partners for their support as we worked through this historic agreement.

“Like every deal, you have to compromise. We have seen we can get it done on the women and now we have to get there on the overall CBA.”

RLPA boss Clint Newton said this in principle agreement on key financial terms recognised the dedication that players have made to the NRLW competition.

“We recognise the incredible contribution players make in playing the fastest and toughest sport in the world,” Newton said.

Eels centre Abbi Church. Credit: NRL Images.

Evania Pelite at the World Cup.

“Agreeing to these financial terms will now give NRLW players financial certainty and security ahead of signing contracts for the 2023 NRLW season and beyond.

“Although this is not a final agreement and several significant terms are yet to be agreed, this is a big step toward securing their first ever CBA.

“This is great progress for current and future players in agreeing to key financial terms and will lay the strong foundations which will allow our game to attract and retain the best talent in Australia and abroad.

“There is still much more work to do as we continue to negotiate a joint-CBA for NRLW and NRL players which captures all their terms and conditions.

“The RLPA Board and our team look forward to continuing our work with Andrew and clubs as we continue to negotiate a historic first-ever joint-CBA.”

The new NRLW season will include seven weeks of pre-season, two weeks of leave, nine rounds of regular season, semi-finals and the grand final.

The race will now be on for clubs to sign the game’s elite women with the documentation indicating that clubs have a deadline until May 24 to reach their roster quota.

Originally published as NRLW CBA confirmed: Five-year deal secures the future of the women’s game