NRL and players agree to pay deal

Months of talks reach end

THE NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association have officially announced the richest pay deal in the game’s history.

The announcement, made by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast, ends more than 16 months of discussions between the governing body and it’s players.

The deal, which totals $980 million, features extra funding for the player retirement fund, a well-being and education program and guaranteed leave entitlements.

“For the first time, our players will receive a

29.5 per cent share of forecast game revenue, as well as a share of any out-performance revenue,” Greenberg said.

“In other words, the better the game performs, the more the players will receive.

“And players will share in any financial out-performance at the same time and on the same basis as grassroots and clubs – a true partnership to take the game forward.”

Highlights of the agreement include:

A 52 per cent increase in take-home pay for players over the next five years.

A revised contracting and payment model that provides more certainty, clarity and protection for players.

The average wage of a top 30 player will rise to $330,000 a year while the minimum wage will be increased to $100,000 next year and $120,000 in 2022.

The salary cap will rise to $9.4 million next year and more than $10 million in 2022.

A new Injury Hardship Fund will be set up to support players facing early retirement due to serious injury, replacing the Career Ending Injury Insurance scheme.

Additional time off during the week for personal development and more certainty around annual leave entitlements.

An allocation of

$3.75 million for the elite women’s game.

Increased integrity safeguards to minimise risks to the game.

The RLPA and players to have a greater role in the running of the game.

RLPA general president Cameron Smith endorsed the new CBA deal.

“The new CBA is a win for not only players, but for the entire NRL community,” he said.

“This deal will assist in the continual growth of the sport because for the first time ever, we will be genuinely recognised as partners in the game.