NRL 2020: players to renegotiate monster 72 per cent pay cut
After agreeing to take a mammoth 72 per cent pay cut to help save the game, NRL players are set to renegotiate the cut amid the game’s earlier than expected return.
NRL
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Players will renegotiate their drastic pay cut with the NRL set to avoid its doomsday scenario.
The players agreed to take a mammoth 72 per cent pay cut based on rugby league being sidelined for the rest of the year.
But with the game on track to resume play on May 28, the RLPA will now look to renegotiate the cut – if any – players will need to take.
That includes an already agreed upon minimum 29.5 per cent of any additional revenue that could flow into the game as a result in play resuming.
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The size of the cut will depend on how much the game’s broadcast partners are willing to tip into a resumed competition.
RLPA boss Clint Newton said he will speak with the NRL about the players’ pay before the competition resumes.
“If we were to not play another match then this is what it looks like for everyone,” Newton said.
“We were still optimistic about getting the matches on. Now it becomes working towards that date (of May 28).
“There will be a new discussion about the distribution of percentages and the operational costs of putting the games on.
“A lot will depend how it goes with the broadcasters. We want to continue to reiterate the players are prepared to do what they can to fulfil their contractual obligations. There might be some reduction in the competition. There is a very real possibility we won’t be playing in front of crowds. We want to make sure clubs survive and come out the other side in a position they can actually continue to provide the support necessary.”
Newton backs a plan to play as many matches as possible but is wary of overdoing it.
“Sometimes more doesn’t mean more revenue,” Newton said. “It comes back to the operational costs and the expenses which will be incurred when you’re putting on matches.
“Realistically we have to try and play as long as we can. We want to make sure we are providing the players, staff and fans enough time to have a spell after the season. The later you go that does pose a great level of challenge in terms of recovery time to reactivate for 2021.”
Originally published as NRL 2020: players to renegotiate monster 72 per cent pay cut