NRL players’ union takes aim at league over stalled pay talks

Players are seemingly at war with the NRL over the new pay deal, saying they have no confidence in management’s “decision-making”.

Rugby League Players Association chair Clint Newton says there is a lack of confidence in NRL management’s decision-making. Picture: AAP Image/James Gourley

The Rugby League Players’ Association has declared it has no confidence in the NRL management’s “decision-making capabilities” and is refusing to budge on the pay deal it has put to the league.

As delays continue over the new collective bargaining agreement, the RLPA went on the offensive on Friday, releasing a pointed statement declaring talks had “unfairly dragged on for 19 months”.

Critical meetings on Monday and Tuesday this week between the RLPA, clubs and the NRL failed to reach agreement on the new deal.

Following that the RLPA board this week resolved to leave their CBA settlement proposal “on the table” and demanded the NRL give proper, considered thought to the deal and the game the “certainty it deserves”.

“We are resolute and united in not giving any ground in any further negotiations.” the statement said.

“The board reinforced its desire to reach an agreement; however, an agreement can not come at the expense of players going backwards from their settlement position.

“The ability of the RLPA and clubs to problem-solve this week was pleasing and advanced us closer to an agreement that gives the players, clubs and game the certainty it deserves. “Problem-solving is not erosion and the RLPA and club compromises were made on trust and fairness for both parties.

RLPA boss Clint Newton says the players won’t give any aground. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“It is now up to the NRL management team to approach our settlement proposal with the same mindset.

“However, there is a distinct lack of confidence in NRL management’s decision-making capabilities and their ability to be given a proper mandate (unlike the empowered representatives of the RLPA and Club Working Group in meetings).”

The RLPA made it clear players “have not requested any more money from the NRL and ARL Commission since December 2022”.

Initially due to be complete by last November, the game-wide collective bargaining agreement includes proposed changes to the minimum wage for the next five years, the way private health insurance is paid and the transfer system.

“Our settlement proposal is comprehensive and drafted with due care following a CBA negotiation that has unfairly dragged on for 19 months,” the statement said.

“This was the first time a proposal of such a form had been tabled in negotiations that contained the appropriate and necessary detail on the players’ terms and conditions for the next five years.

“Failing further negotiations and meetings, our settlement proposal remains on the table for acceptance, ready to be signed by the NRL and ARLC and ratified by the NRL and NRLW playing groups.”

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys are under the gun over the new collective bargaining agreement. Picture: Supplied.

With no prospect of reaching an agreement this week, the RLPA said it would work in partnership with clubs on the 2018-22 CBA rollover terms and “our interpretation” of the NRL’s new salary sap, which has not been agreed to.

“All our positions are clear, documented and in the hands of the NRL,” the statement said.

“The RLPA remains open to moving closer to reaching a landmark agreement for our code. “However, it is now on the NRL to provide more certainty on their positions rather than muddying the waters on all outstanding matters.”