Players launch bombshell NRL logo cover-up ahead of round 22

The players’ war with the NRL has taken a shock turn, with the game’s stars “escalating our action as a playing group” in their protest over the collective bargaining agreement.

NRL players have discussed covering up the logo.

Rugby league’s civil war has taken another dramatic and confrontational turn after leading players confirmed they would cover the NRL logo on their jerseys this weekend.

RLPA player delegates spent Wednesday afternoon informing their teammates that they were ready to escalate their fight with the NRL as frustrations grew over the slow progress of negotiations.

It is understood Brisbane and the Sydney Roosters - the two clubs playing on Thursday night - were informed of the latest protest plans late on Wednesday.

The latest ploy by the RLPA comes less than three weeks after they announced a boycott of the media which has had little impact in their fight with the NRL.

Leading male and female players Chad Townsend and Nita Maynard confirmed the players would cover the NRL logo in response to what they claimed was a lack of respect from the governing body.

“We are escalating our action as a playing group because the NRL have shown a complete lack of respect by not agreeing to what is a very reasonable path forward in negotiations,” Townsend said.

NRL players have discussed covering up the logo.

“The NRL and NRLW players need our CBAs agreed as soon as possible, but we wont be dictated to by the Commission or NRL.”

Maynard added: “It’s Women in League Round, but NRLW players still don’t have a CBA. What does that say about the respect the NRL has for women playing rugby league?

“That’s why all players will be covering the badge. We want protection and respect.”

It is understood the NRL is wary about responding to the latest measures because they believe that is exactly what the RLPA want - a reaction that would inflame a situation that is already out of control.

The NRL and RLPA have been at loggerheads since late last year but the situation has exploded in recent weeks after the players union brought in a partial boycott of the media.

In recent days they have also held talks with the ACTU as they look to garner support for their campaign. The NRL and RLPA are still at odds over several issues, including agreement rights over the future direction of the game, control of player data, and the push by the players to bring in an independent mediator to resolve the impasse.

Chad Townsend said players would escalate the fight. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

Former Nine boss Hugh Marks and respected media executive Brett Clegg were brought in at different times to mediate talks between the partiers. Both walked away frustrated and disappointed with the process.

With the stalemate dragging on, the decision to cover the NRL logo is unlikely to be the end of the issues. There has already been talk that the players could boycott the Dally M medal - it is understood that it was raised in discussions with players last week.

The clock is ticking on the NRL and unless there is a significant change in coming weeks, they may be forced to axe the award night for the second time in its history.

The last time was in 2003 after players and the NRL were involved in a heated dispute.