Players hint at boycott as pay deal stalls
NRL players are set to revolt against the code’s plans to return to training on Monday and could jeopardise a May 28 restart, uniting in support of the Warriors’ pledge not to leave New Zealand until a pay deal is agreed.
The NRL is expecting federal and NSW government exemptions today that would allow the Warriors to enter the country and be based in Tamworth.
However, it may be a moot point if the code does not finalise its broadcast deal with Nine Entertainment Co and Foxtel.
The can reveal some of the game’s most senior figures, including Melbourne captain Cameron Smith, backed the Warriors’ stance in an emotion-charged phone hookup between the players on Wednesday night, preparing not to show for Monday’s mandatory biosecurity and protocols briefing.
It was agreed in the meeting of RLPA club delegates that no players would return before the NRL announced how much the players would be paid for the rest of the year.
When contacted by the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, one club chief executive said he was unaware of the proposed boycott. Clubs are also waiting for the NRL to finalise the broadcast deal for their own plans.
RLPA boss Clint Newton was expecting a financial proposal to put to the players on Wednesday, but indications from head office now point towards a broadcast deal being struck next week.
Warriors players Blake Green, Adam Blair and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck spoke on behalf of their team-mates when they reiterated that they wouldn’t leave New Zealand, even with an exemption to enter Australia, until the pay structure was agreed.
The Warriors have spent the past month in lockdown under New Zealand government restrictions, and aren’t willing to take a chance on having to spend 14 days in isolation if the NRL is unable to strike a deal.
While the NRL is confident it will get the necessary approvals to start the 20-round season on May 28, the Warriors will not leave it to chance. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, Channel Nine has indicated to the NRL it wants to pay
A$90 million of the A$118m it is contracted to pay this year.
The game is bracing for a combined
A$60m shortfall between Nine and Fox Sports, and the players are demanding to know how much of an impact that will have on their salaries before they consider leaving their families for the next five months.
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