Time to talk money
THE players union has secured more than $38m from the NRL in backpay and accused head office of being “unprofessional and disrespectful to players and clubs” by delaying crucial talks over the salary cap and other big-ticket items for next season.
The Rugby League Players Association confirmed on Tuesday that they had finally reached an agreement with the NRL on historical payments during the Covid crisis, when players were forced to take significant pay cuts to help the game survive.
In an email sent to the players, which has been obtained by News Corp, RLPA chief executive Clint Newton wrote they had faced considerable resistance – presumably from the NRL – but their “relentless pursuit” had secured a huge windfall for the players. The final figure was $38.35m.
“This comes on the back of the RLPA’s interrogation of the NRL’s financial performance and the above-forecast revenue sharing arrangement secured during the CBA revisions,” Newton said.
“It is a monumental outcome for players, and well-deserved given your sacrifices and the critical role the players play in generating revenue for the whole game.
“The fair and reasonable outcomes our team and board advocated for on behalf of players was met with considerable resistance, but our relentless pursuit has generated significant returns for players.
“We will take this same determination into the upcoming CBA negotiations on your behalf.”
The RLPA statement went on to say that with the backpay finalised, they would begin talks over the future. They couldn’t resist throwing a grenade in the process. Players and clubs are frustrated by the slow progress of talks heading into next season – the salary cap and club grant are yet to be finalised. The RLPA crystallised that frustration in their email to the players.
“We understand this may have felt like a long process,” the statement said. “It has been. We wish it wasn’t the case but if we had not responsibly investigated the NRL’s finances and pursued the issues that we uncovered, we would have not secured such a good outcome for the players.
“With that in mind, we have requested the NRL meet as a matter of urgency to commence substantive negotiations. The fact we are two months from the end of the season and yet to start negotiating in any meaningful way, is unprofessional and disrespectful to the players and clubs.”