Players plot Dally M and finals boycott over pay war with NRL

THE NRL’s finals series could be thrown into chaos with players planning to boycott a host of events in the lead up to the biggest matches of the season as the fallout from the pay war continues.

A player strike could damage the credibility of the Dally Ms

THE NRL’s finals series could be thrown into chaos with players planning to boycott a host of events in the lead up to the biggest matches of the season.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal a host of options are on the table for players to skip key events should their collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the NRL sour. This week will be D-Day for negotiations between the NRL and the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA).

The Dally M Awards, the annual captain’s call and a grand final fan day are among possible measures which could be skipped by some of the game’s biggest names.

RLPA president Cameron Smith could find himself in a tricky position ahead of the finals. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The Dally M Awards were called off in 2003 as a bitter pay dispute split the game. It will be an interesting decision for Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith — who is the clear frontrunner to win his second player of the year award — as he is the RLPA’s president. Aside from the Dally Ms — which take place in grand final week — the traditional captain’s call could also be sabotaged.

The captain’s call involves skippers from all eight finalists and is considered a huge promotional event by the NRL. Players also conduct a large amount of media interviews during this time.

Non-finalists may also get their chance to show solidarity with their fellow players with suggestions the NRL’s grand final fan day could also be shunned.

Skippers could boycott the annual Captain’s Call. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Last year the grand final fan day was held at the Sydney Opera House on the Thursday before the grand final. Traditionally, a handful of players from each of the 14 clubs not involved in the grand final appear. The final public appearance of the grand final teams at the event is not expected to come under fire with players reluctant to overshadow the premiership showdown.

By the end of this week the NRL and players will either be at war or peace will be brokered. The RLPA and NRL officials led by the likes of Todd Greenberg and Nick Weeks are expected to meet tomorrow for day one of intense three day negotiations.

A player strike could damage the credibility of the Dally Ms.

The NRL will then address club chairs and chiefs on Thursday where it is hoped the new CBA — including the salary cap — will be presented to clubs. Among the ongoing sticking points is the players call for a guaranteed revenue share, the size of the salary cap and other elements such as injury compensation. A $300,000 long-term player allowance could be shifted outside the salary cap which would take the cap figure to $9.5 million.

The RLPA will meet with its players next Monday where they will either rubberstamp a new CBA or plan further action should a resolution not be met.

“We believe talks are progressing well,” an NRL spokesman said. “We hope to finalise them shortly,”

Originally published as Players plot Dally M and finals boycott over pay war with NRL