RLPA won’t endorse New Zealand v England Test in Denver
THE Denver mid-year Test is in tatters with the Rugby League Players Association failing to endorse the landmark match between England and New Zealand.
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THE Denver mid-year Test is in tatters with the Rugby League Players Association failing to endorse the landmark match between England and New Zealand.
The Sunday Telegraph has learnt that the RLPA will sign off on a joint letter along with the NRL and clubs early next week in which they will indicate that they can’t support the match.
It is expected that the letter will document grave safety concerns regarding the game.
The refusal to support the match could be a fatal blow for the international fixture. It is understood that their concerns are twofold — the health risks associated with playing the match and the security of player contracts.
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With the RLPA not endorsing the game, it now leaves clubs open to recommending that their players do not participate. If players elect to play and suffer a severe injury they may run the risk of clubs not paying out their contract.
The New Zealand Rugby League has outlined a policy which would cover players for two years of their contract. But that could leave players such as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck — who recently re-signed with the Warriors for four years — severely out of pocket if they suffer a career-ending injury.
Players are expected to be paid just $5000 for the game. While each country is reported to receive $500,000 for playing, it is understood that the venture also requires significant investment, limiting the profits for the competing nations who are also obligated to field full-strength teams.
The Sunday Telegraph has also learnt the RLPA and NRL has received medical advice about potential health risks associated with the long haul travel. The advice also indicted concerns about adjusting to a new climate with a high altitude in such a short time.
At 1609m above sea level Denver is the highest altitude city in the US.
After months of discussions the match is due to take place at the Mile High Stadium in Denver on June 24 — as part of the stand-alone representative weekend.
The only way the RLPA would endorse the game would be if clubs guaranteed resting their stars from the following round of NRL matches with the likes of St George Illawarra duo Gareth Widdop and James Graham expected to play 48 hours after returning to Australia. Clubs are naturally hesitant to do so.
The NRL’s chief medical officer Paul Bloomfield has also expressed his concerns about the fixture.
The letter was to have been sent last week but there were delays because of concerns being canvases across sections of the game including players, clubs, the NRL and medical authorities.