Manchester: Kangaroos stars at the World Cup have accused the NRL of “lowballing” players and say head office has “a long way to go” as rugby league’s pay dispute drags on.
The 2023 salary cap still hasn’t been locked in despite most sides having started pre-season training, leaving clubs and players increasingly frustrated.
The Rugby League Players Association represents 500 NRL players and is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the NRL.
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Players want a greater say in how the game is run in regards to topics such as funding distribution, the number of games played and the size of fines.
RLPA boss Clint Newton visited Australia’s World Cup camp in Manchester to update the squad on the unfolding situation.
Kangaroos stars Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant and Isaah Yeo have all since called out the NRL over the prolonged negotiations.
“Players give everything to the game to produce a good product and I think it’s only fair that we can try and make sure guys are looked after,” Carrigan told foxsports.com.au.
“Younger guys and guys that are working two jobs… Obviously money is a big talking point but security and life off the field is a big thing for the players.
“Players are people too, they live lives outside of footy and have to go on and live another 60-70 years, so it’s about looking after them in that respect.
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“The game is moving a long way in terms of mental health but we’ve got a long way to go in not only that but looking after our players and growing the game.”
Under the NRL’s latest offer, the salary cap will rise to at least $11 million next season, while clubs will receive grants of $5 million above the cap figure.
But Grant believes the players are being “low balled” and reminded the NRL there is no game without them.
“As players it’s our livelihood and we just need to get something sorted for everyone’s sake, we’ve put enough into this game,” Grant said.
“You know, for what we get out of it I think they’re sort of lowballing us at the moment, the NRL.
“The RLPA do a great job for the players and they’re negotiating pretty fair with the NRL.
“We did have a little chat (as a group). We’ve got some blokes in the squad that are heavily invested, as we all should be, it’s our future.
“At the end of the day, we’re going out there to put our bodies on the line and we don’t know what our future is gonna look like for the game.
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“It is a little mad (that it’s not done). All the players did throughout the year and then we can’t get to an agreement… yeah it’s (not good).”
Grant emphasised the lowest-paid players would be better off pursuing a trade than chasing their NRL dream.
“Everyone thinks you’re playing NRL and you’re on good coin, but the reality is you’re not,” Grant said.
“I think a development contract is $60,000 so some blokes are better off working on the tools.
“At the end of the day you’re chasing your dream but a lot of people don’t realise what you put yourself through and it’s not really always that financially rewarding.
“Can’t really complain, you get to play footy for a living, but yeah, it is tough at times.”
There are fears the negotiations could drag on all of next season and clubs are siding with their players.
“I don’t think we need to drag it on for another 12 months. The evidence is there of what the players have done for the game,” Grant said.
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Kangaroos lock Yeo echoed the sentiment and called on the NRL to come to the table and agree to a “fair” deal.
“From the players’ perspective, it’s just taken way too long,” he said.
“We spoke about it at the start of this season. We put it off because of Origin and finals, now there’s no real excuse.
“I don’t think the RLPA is asking for anything crazy or unfair.
“The game is in a really good spot at the moment and the players are a really big part of that, so you’d like to think we’re getting a voice there.”
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