Pearson confident Super League pay row will be resolved
HULL FC owner Adam Pearson believes a “compromise” will be reached in the Super League pay row but fully understands why players are aggrieved at clubs making big-name signings at such a critical time.
The top-flight competition is due to resume initially behind closed doors on August 2 after a hiatus of almost five months caused by coronavirus.
However, it has emerged that many clubs have still yet to agree pay cuts with their players for when they return to training after furlough – putting that restart date in danger.
Players had already accepted wage reductions of 30 to 50 per cent at the height of the crisis – for the three months from April – with a hope they would be temporary. Clubs say more cuts are needed, though, to continue navigating the sport through the crisis.
Hull are one of those who have reached an agreement, believed to be a 15 per cent pay cut but returning to full pay before the end of the year.
It is thought that only six of the dozen clubs, though, have so far reached a satisfactory conclusion as the players’ union continues to try and smooth matters over.
“I think it will get sorted,” Pearson told The Yorkshire Post.
“We went early with it which we thought was the best thing as once players come off furlough on July 20 and come back into full-time training, they will want to know what the situation is.
“Our players have been extremely co-operative and we have come to a fair agreement – but these things take time.
“You can’t just send an email and expect them to all just agree; you have to talk, discuss it and we’re proud of them for the professional manner in which they have all dealt with it.”
Some players at other clubs have been disappointed by the manner in which employers have communicated with them and also at the size of some of the proposed wage cuts.
Moreover, some clubs have recently announced lucrative new signings during lockdown, such as Warrington Wolves’ capture of Greg Inglis and Wigan Warriors bringing John Bateman back from the NRL for 2021.
Rugby League Players Association organiser Garreth Carvell, who is the head rep for the GMB Union that represents 85 per cent of top-flight players, says that does not sit easy with him or any of its members and has suggested to the RFL that signings are banned until pay issues are resolved.
Pearson agreed and added: “It does seem pretty logical to me.
“But it’s down to each individual club and their financial strength as to whether they can sign players of the ilk of Inglis, (James) Graham and Bateman.
“Players, though, will of course look at that and wonder whether this financial crisis is as acute as it’s meant to be. As a player who is being asked to take a pay cut,
I can see why that would look a little bit strange.”
There is no Super League-wide effort to gain the same level of pay cut at every club although the union is reportedly looking to work towards a maximum of 15 per cent.
Pearson continued: “It’s always going to be the way in sport that clubs’ financial positions are different club to club.
“Our players are doing their bit to make sure our club survives this crisis, as are our supporters, pass holders, sponsors and corporate. We couldn’t have asked for any better response over these past few months.
“The players (across Super League) want to play and the clubs want to survive, so I’m sure they will find a compromise.
“But everyone needs to be aware the players have a voice and a right to know what’s going on.”