NRL 2021: NRLW closing in on collective bargaining agreement

With relations between NRLW players and the NRL still frosty over the postponement of the 2021 season, the game’s leading female stars have called for greater dialogue.

New South Wales and Jillaroos star Tiana Penitani has called for a greater dialogue between NRLW players and head office as the women’s game strives towards landing a historic collective bargaining agreement with the league.

The relationship between NRLW players and the NRL has been frosty in recent months following the postponement of the 2021 season and claims from the players that they have been excluded from the league’s decision-making process.

Penitani believes the players should have a more active role in discussions on the direction of the women’s game as the league reckons with the sport’s rising popularity.

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Tiana Penitani has called for a greater dialogue between NRLW players and head office as the women’s game. Picture: NRL Photos.

“I know a lot of the marquee playing group feel the same way. I know Covid definitely plays a part in it but you can’t blame Covid for a lack of communication,” Penitani said.

“For us, it just feels like when we have been asked as a collective about what we would like to see happen or changes we’d like to see made, that gets overseen and decisions happen regardless of what the playing group has said.

“We usually find out what the decision is the day before they’re told to the media. I think the communication isn’t where it should be at the moment, that’s just my personal opinion.”

The RLPA are committed to bridging the gap between the players and league offices, as well as locking in a collective bargaining agreement given rugby league is the only major women’s sport in the country that currently lacks a CBA.

“I’m looking forward optimistically. I’ve had these conversations with Andrew (Abdo) over the last week or two about increasing the engagement with the playing body via the RLPA,” said RLPA CEO Clint Newton.

“Particularly in the women’s space, the greatest asset they’ve got is the players.

“If the players are included upfront in any discussions that are made and we’re able to find some fair and reasonable middle ground where everyone benefits, that significantly enhances the relationship and make the progress that I think we all know we can achieve.

“It’s the foundation from which we build from, that’s the CBA. That’s why it is so important.”

CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Clint Newton has spoken to Andrew Abdo as they look to lock in a collective bargaining agreement. Picture: AAP.

With a packed schedule for 2022, including two NRLW seasons, State of Origin, a World Cup and regular state competitions, securing a CBA is among the RLPA’s top priorities, especially given the part-time status of the vast majority of the playing group.

“Protection via a CBA covers off on a lot of different areas - there’s contract security, workload and balance, insurance, pay rates. It encompasses a lot of key issues for the women,” said RLPA general manager of elite women and international relations Lina Caccamo.

“What we’re hoping is that it improves, and it’s less of an update and more of a genuine engagement and we can bring the views and the feedback of the players through when we are working with the NRL so we can create something that benefits all parties.

“We are aligned on delivering a CBA that’s aligned with the men’s CBA for 2023 and beyond. There is the hope of engaging in some kind of deal or structure that provides players with protection for 2022.

“We still haven’t firmed the structure out with the NRL but we’re hoping all players are aware of their conditions and are comfortable with the calendar year for next year by the end of this year, so players can make an informed decision around work, commitments, all that kind of stuff, before the year rounds out.”