Pay dispute talks between NRL and RLPA set to continue despite two days of intense negotiation
THE stalemate between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association is set to continue despite two days of intense negotiations wrapping up.
NRL
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THE stalemate between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association is set to continue despite two days of intense negotiations wrapping up on Tuesday.
A host of NRL stars including Wade Graham, James Maloney, Chad Townsend and James Graham were on hand for the second day of negotiations between the game’s governing body and the RLPA.
Presentations were made on the NRL’s financial situation, the salary cap and pathways.
It was the first time each organisation has sat down to discuss their respective collective bargaining agreements, which includes what next year’s salary cap will be.
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Both parties described the talks as “constructive” with discussions to continue in the coming weeks. This means clubs are still without a salary cap figure for 2018, despite most locking in contracts for next seasons.
RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said the meetings had provided players with an opportunity to meet with the NRL and clubs to work through their various issues.
“The RLPA welcomed the information and remain committed to ensuring players receive a fair outcome out of the negotiations” Prendergast said.
The NRL’s chief operating officer Nick Weeks is leading the collective-bargaining agreement negotiations for the NRL. He intimated that the ongoing uncertainty would continue, describing the “lock in as an important early part of the process”.
“All parties are treating the negotiations seriously and respectfully and we look forward to making further progress in the weeks ahead,” Weeks said.
The RLPA are calling for a fixed revenue of 29 per cent, which the NRL has rejected. The two parties are also at odds regarding NRL squad sizes and the total salary cap for next season.
The RLPA delivered a $10 million counter offer to the NRL’s base salary cap offer which was 8.3 million dollars for 30 players. The RLPA’s base salary cap offer is $9.1 million for 26 players.
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