NRL 2022: RLPA wants ban on players backing up for clubs after State of Origin matches

The days of the NRL’s best players backing up for their clubs after bruising State of Origin matches could be numbered.

Cameron Murray was assisted off the field in Origin II after copping an early head knock. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

This madness must stop. Now.

To confront overwhelming player fatigue among rugby league’s elite, the NRL and RLPA are locked in top-level discussions about standing down all NSW and Queensland stars for the following round of club football after every State of Origin match.

Exhausted players have been warned about the physical and mental toll of playing this weekend’s round of NRL just days after Wednesday night’s epic decider, described as among the most brutal, hostile and bruising matches in Origin’s 42-year history.

The RLPA has spoken to the NRL about a blanket ban on players being asked or told to back-up just days after the physical demands of playing State of Origin. Some players will contest NRL games just 48 hours after fulltime in Origin III.

RLPA chief executive Clint Newton hopes to have a new mandatory stand-down rule inserted into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, to be implemented from next season.

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Cameron Murray didn’t return to the field after copping a head knock in the opening minutes of Origin III. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Nowhere in the world, in any code of this kind, where it’s high speed, high collision, would we see athletes back up potentially within 48 hours of a match,” Newton said.

“We have the toughest and most resilient athletes playing our game but we (can’t) continue to think this is acceptable.

“This is the players’ workplace. Would we expect Makybe Diva to back-up in a second Melbourne Cup two days after she won? We don’t allow truck drivers to drive long hours. We have a duty of care to look after our players.

“After Wednesday night’s match, there wouldn’t be one person, with any sense, that wouldn’t agree it was one of the most demanding and physical games of rugby league that anyone would have seen.

“I don’t think anyone could have watched the game and thought it’s okay to be in a position where we could have players playing as early as Friday. It all comes down to fatigue and protecting our greatest assets, which are our players.

“Wednesday night was a classic example of why it’s not only necessary but essential to ensure the players are given the appropriate time to rest and recover. I would suggest that standing players down from their club duties, post Origin, is absolutely on the agenda through the CBA.”

In a fierce and frenetic start to Origin III, three players – Cam Murray, Selwyn Cobbo and Lindsay Collins – were taken from the field inside the opening four minutes. None returned. Murray is expected to be ruled out of South Sydney’s match against Canterbury on Sunday.

And in a throwback to the 1980s, Queensland centre Dane Gagai and NSWs Matt Burton were sin-binned for throwing wild punches at each other. The collision and ferocity over the entire 80 minutes was unrivalled.

Selwyn Cobbo’s night ended early after a head knock. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Fans want to make sure the best players are playing in the big matches,” Newton said.

“We don’t want a situation where, come finals time, fans can’t watch the best players and that risk considerably increases if we’re not putting as many protections in place to look after the players.

“Sometimes you have to protect players from themselves because we know, forever, it (backing up) has been worn as a badge of honour ... the sheer demand on the players, and the intensity, not only physically but also psychologically.

“You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re compromised — based on a team that might be struggling — where a player feels obligated to back-up when they know full well they’re not in the best position to do so.

“(Under the plan) clubs will know full well when their players are going to be available and when they’re not, which is why it’s going to be addressed in the CBA. That will give them the opportunity to work that into their recruitment.

“Certainly in our view, we absolutely need to be having a conversation - and a necessary one – based on players backing up after Origin. It’s certainly something I have raised with the NRL and it’s one we will discuss with the workload-balance committee.”

Given they are six points clear on top of the NRL table, Penrith will rest its seven Origin stars this weekend. Other clubs may not have that luxury.

In a schedule change, all three Origin matches next season will be played on Wednesday nights.

Queensland and Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins receives attention. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Workers have restrictions on their ability to do double shifts and overtime because if given the chance they’ll do it,” Newton said. “They want to provide for their families, they have a deep conviction for the job and stopping feels like they’re letting someone down.

“But sometimes stopping, resting and recovering is the safest and most important thing to do. I have already spoken to the NRL about this.

“Like any workplace, that duty of care doesn’t fall at the feet of the employee. It falls on those of those looking after them — and that’s all of us. We all have to take responsibility.

“People will push the boundaries and take on those additional responsibilities – that’s human nature. It’s brave and courageous but doesn’t mean to say it’s okay. Broadcasters, clubs, RLPA and the NRL must come together and find a solution but the solution shouldn’t be compromising the players.

“Players that have played Origin would have watched on Wednesday night and thought: ‘That was like no other game that has been played’.”

A new CBA will be introduced from the 2023 season.