Ricky Stuart slams NRL players union over media blackout

Ricky Stuart did what his players aren’t allowed to do and spoke to the media with a few choice words to address the blackout.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart isn’t a fan of the media ban. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has attacked the Rugby League Players Association and says NRL players are “being used” with revelations a media blackout could go on for months.

For at least this round of NRL games, as well as the third State of Origin clash next Wednesday, players will shun game-day media commitments as part of drastic measures the RLPA hopes will bring league officials back to the negotiating table and resolve protracted collective bargaining agreement talks.

The media blackout was confirmed on Wednesday and Stuart, fronting up to his weekly press conference as coaches will continue to do, said the move was a poor reflection on the players’ union and one some players didn’t understand.

“I feel sorry for the players because I believe that if you spoke to 95 per cent of the players they wouldn’t even know why they aren’t allowed to talk to the media,” he said.

“I think they are being used and it’s wrong because there are young boys who have no idea why it’s there and I think they are being used in this regard.

“Our administration will get to the core of it and hopefully fix it.

Not asking for another dollar, not about money

Tried to negotiate in good faith for the best part of 2 years,time to let an independent mediator decide, if it’s such a wonderful deal I can’t see why the NRL would oppose this?

We’d accept any rulings made, time to get on with it https://t.co/2vxCBy3PRZ

— Christian Welch (@clwelch94) July 5, 2023

“We‘ve got very strong leadership, they know what is right for the game, they should be running the game, not the players.’’

The decision to enforce the boycott came after more than 50 players from the 17 clubs met on Tuesday night to discuss the lack of movement in the CBA, which is now eight months overdue.

RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said it was just the start of action and they were prepared to take more if the NRL didn’t meet their demands.

“Our leadership group met and they discussed that this could go on,” he said.

“The players have shown tremendous patience and goodwill through this process but their trust and resolve have been tested time and time again. I want to be clear that we have been forced into this position.

“Players are reasonable but ultimately we have to put everything on the table.

“We are hopeful and we remain optimistic about reaching an agreement.”

NRL boss Andrew Abdo maintained the league had acted in good faith during negotiations and said an overall increase in player payments of 37 per cent, an immediate 25.4 increase in the salary cap and an increased minimum wage of $150,000 should be enough to address player concerns.

“It‘s disappointing whenever we talk about restricting the access the fans have to hear from their heroes,” he said.

“We have spent thousands of collective hours listening and problem-solving.”

The media boycott is likely to affect at least round 19 and next week’s State of Origin III.