The players' union has formally tabled its intention to fight for a guaranteed share of the game's revenue as Johnathan Thurston spoke of the playing group's frustration in having to decide their futures without knowing a salary cap figure for next year.
The Rugby League Players' Association has shared its vision for the collective bargaining agreement negotiations via a manifesto to the industry. The "Power In Numbers" document – obtained by Fairfax Media – outlines the union's approach to key issues, including the desire for a more comprehensive insurance scheme, the establishment of a joint player OH&S; committee and the right to fully examine the NRL's books to gauge the true financial position of the game.
More Rugby Union Videos
- Video duration
- 00:31
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
NRL star Ben Barba has signed a deal with French rugby powerhouse Toulon until the end of the season. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
Up Next
Quade Cooper's fight a 'disgrace'
- Video duration
- 01:59
- Video duration
- 01:59
Quade Cooper's fight a 'disgrace'
Quade Cooper's fight a 'disgrace'
Boxing fans say Quade Cooper should be "ashamed of yourself" for an apparent mismatch in his next fight on the Mundine-Green undercard on Friday night.
Up Next
Western Force team up with Road Safety Commission
- Video duration
- 01:11
- Video duration
- 01:11
Western Force team up with Road Safety ...
Western Force team up with Road Safety Commission
The Road Safety Commission sign on as naming rights partner for the Western Force ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season!
Up Next
Dream not over for Lealiifano as Larkham eyes five-eighth options
- Video duration
- 00:46
- Video duration
- 00:46
Dream not over for Lealiifano as Larkham ...
Dream not over for Lealiifano as Larkham eyes five-eighth options
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says Christian Lealiifano's recovery is ongoing as he looks at potential options at fly-half for the upcoming Super Rugby season.
Up Next
Waratahs to benefit from French experience
- Video duration
- 00:26
- Video duration
- 00:26
Waratahs to benefit from French experience
Waratahs to benefit from French experience
A new-look front row could be the difference for the Waratahs in 2017 with Sekope Kepu and Damien Fitzpatrick returning from stints with Bordeaux and Lyon.
Up Next
Rugby player banned for flattening female ref
- Video duration
- 00:29
- Video duration
- 00:29
Rugby player banned for flattening female ...
Rugby player banned for flattening female ref
Argentine rugby player Bruno Andres Doglioli has been banned for three years after tackling female referee Maria Beatrice Benvenuti during an Italian league match between Vicenza and Valsugana.
Up Next
Tuqiri, Larkham, Umaga urged to stage comebacks
- Video duration
- 00:28
- Video duration
- 00:28
Tuqiri, Larkham, Umaga urged to stage ...
Tuqiri, Larkham, Umaga urged to stage comebacks
Now Chris Latham has confirmed his return to professional rugby at the Brisbane Tens, a number of his ex-Super Rugby rivals may also be in the mix to play at Suncorp Stadium.
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
NRL star Ben Barba has signed a deal with French rugby powerhouse Toulon until the end of the season. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
However, the biggest conflict in the upcoming talks will undoubtedly be the players' right to a fixed share of revenue, as is the case for a number of sports locally and internationally. The players' share of revenue recently slipped below 25 per cent, although no figure is currently mandated. The RLPA has for the first time made its position clear in writing, with the document stating its aim to "Secure a guaranteed percentage share of revenue that reflects a genuine partnership."
"It's the first time we've put that position to the industry formally through this briefing document, which is a good summary of the key areas we want to achieve," said RLPA boss Ian Prendergast.
"It shouldn't come as any surprise to people in that it's consistent with the conversations we've had over the past 12 months.
"It does confirm this is the model we're working towards under the new collective agreement."
The document was handed to clubs during a series of meetings ahead of the Auckland Nines and now also resides with officials at head office.
The RLPA is seeking workplace improvements across a number of areas, but the biggest focus will undoubtedly fall onto the salary cap. Thurston spoke of the frustration of his peers attempting to decide their worth without knowing what the cap will be from next year.
"It is frustrating for a lot of players and a lot of clubs trying to sign players and they don't know what the salary cap is going to be," Thurston said.
"There are some players' association representatives here this week looking to catch up with a few senior players of the game so we'll talk about that and take it to the NRL in the coming weeks.
"I've been pretty vocal in the past about players' rights and standing up for what the players want and that will be no different until the day I retire."
It's unlikely there will be a resolution any time soon, with CBA talks expected to extend well into the season.
"We understand the frustrations of players, clubs and agents," Prendergast said.
"The conversations we're having in this first round of club visits is to ensure that we won't rush into the wrong deal, that they need to be patient and stay united.
"That we should make the most of the opportunity we've got to deliver a comprehensive CBA that reflects the players' value and contribution to the game while setting the league up for the future."
Some of the game's biggest names lent their support to the union's stated aims.
"We all want what's best for our game – we just need to work together in a genuine partnership," Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith stated in the document.
"Empowering us to work with our clubs and the NRL will help rugby league grow."
0 comments
New User? Sign up