‘GET ON WITH IT’
Titans’ focus fine as coach calls for civil war to end
TITANS coach Justin Holbrook has declared the ongoing civil war between the NRL and Rugby League Players Association has had no impact on his squad’s focus, however he called for the matter to at last be brought to a head.
Players have voiced their continued frustration over the way in which negotiations over the forthcoming collective bargaining agreement have been handled.
While the NRL has announced a record $12.1m salary cap in 2023, the RLPA was reportedly left fuming that they had not signed off on the new CBA.
Gold Coast stars including AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran have taken to Instagram in support of the RLPA’s push – declaring “players are united” and they would “continue fighting for what is fair” – however Holbrook said the debate had not caused a distraction within his ranks.
“From my perspective I’ll leave that up to those guys; it’s between the NRL and the players association,” he said.
“I’ve got enough going on here so look from my opinion I just hope it gets sorted. We don’t want it to be an issue, we all want the season to start and carry on as normal.
“As for the details of it I’ll stay out of it. I’d love no distractions that’s for sure.
“I don’t think anybody wants that so hopefully we can all come to an agreement and we crack on with a great year that we’re all excited for.
“I’m not saying one side is right, one side is wrong. Let’s just come to an agreement and get on with it. I haven’t noticed any difference (at training).” Sticking points for the RLPA have included the push for a well-funded Past Players Program, better funding for the Injury Hardship Fund, funding for a Medical Support Fund and a CBA for the women’s game.
Players are reportedly set to boycott the competition’s official launch, and just last week the Cronulla Sharks and St George-Illawarra Dragons cancelled scheduled media opportunities.
Brisbane star Kurt Capewell and Cowboys co-captain Chad Townsend have also refused to rule out a strike in protest to the delays in finalising an agreement.
Meanwhile, Holbrook confirmed that rookie forward Klese Haas had returned to training, after the promising talent and his brother – Brisbane star Payne – took personal time away to address his mother Joan Taufua’s involvement in a car crash which claimed the lives of three people.
The 20-year-old will have the chance to push for a bench role in the starting 17, with David Fifita and Beau Fermor the most likely second row starters.
Holbrook also revealed Jayden Campbell’s role was not yet determined, hinting a stint in the outside backs could be on the cards.
The arrival of Foran to take the club’s number six jersey is expected to shift Brimson to fullback, the jersey Campbell has donned in his fledging NRL career.
Holbrook said that with Brian Kelly to miss the season’s opening rounds through suspension, Campbell could join a race with the likes of livewire prospect Alofiana Khan-Pereira for a place in the backline.