‘Done deal’: RLPA and NRL’s rugby league civil war to end

Finally, rugby league’s civil war appears to have ended, with the RLPA and the NRL agreeing in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Andrew Abdo the Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League and Peter V'landys the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission are seen as they wait to take part in the pre-game ANZAC ceremony before the round seven NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 25, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Rugby league’s civil war is finally set to end, with the RLPA and the NRL agreeing in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Multiple outlets are reporting a deal is done with the RLPA and NRL, pending documentation and ratification from the playing group.

The over $1 billion deal will mean threats of a player strike, or a Dally M boycott, have been avoided - as well as a potential protest by players just before this weekend’s games.

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BREAKING: Deal done with NRL and RLPA.
Agreement in principle reached dependent on documentation and RLPA members ratifying @9NewsSyd@NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) August 10, 2023

Talks between the two sides had seemingly hit a dead end until Tuesday, when RLPA chair Deidre Anderson reached out to ARL chairman and master negotiator Peter V’landys.

The result of that was a new CBA two days later, with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, RLPA CEO Clint Newton and Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly apart of the two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the new CBA still needs to be ratified by the players - but once it is, it will confirm the league’s greatest ever wage increase.

The $1.347 billion deal will lift the average salary of men’s rugby league players to $401,000 according to the report.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

RLPA boss Clint Newton. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The NRL released a statement after the news broke.

“The Rugby League Player’s Association is pleased to advise that it has reached in-principle agreement with the NRL on an historic collective bargaining agreement,” it read.

“Once ratified, this agreement will set rugby league up for the future while ensuring the rights of all NRL and NRLW players - current and future - are protected.

“The in-principle agreement will be presented to the Australian Rugby League Commission and Rugby League Players’ Association for ratification in the coming days.

“Player-led action for this weekend will be cancelled.

“The RLPA acknowledges the efforts of the NRL to resolve the CBA in recent days, and thanks its members for their resolve in ensuring a fair agreement that benefits the game and all of its stakeholders.”

The agreement means players will their media blackout for Thursday’s game between the Sea Eagles and Panthers, which kicks off Round 24, meaning the fans at home will again hear from players before, during and after games.

“That’s good news. The game can get on with things and we don’t have to talk about the CBA anymore,” Greg Alexander said on Fox League.

The NRL and Rugby League Players Association came back to the table this week, as “positive and constructive” talks continued on Wednesday.

After a lengthy feud between the parties which has spanned for over a year, it’s looking as if there will finally be peace between the two parties.

Speaking after Wednesday’s marathon meeting between the two sides, ARL chairman Peter V’landys labelled the progress made as “very positive.”

“If that continues, which I’m confident it will, we should come to a resolution,” V’landys said.

Originally published as ‘Done deal’: RLPA and NRL’s rugby league civil war to end