The NRL and the Rugby League Players’ Association have moved a step closer to finalising a new collective bargaining agreement for female players after what was described as the most constructive meeting in months.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and RLPA boss Clint Newton spent five hours together at Rugby League Central in Moore Park on Wednesday on the second day of a three-day lock-in to try and finalise a deal.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and RLPA boss Clint Newton.Credit:Getty, Getty
While a deal for the male players remains some way off, there is hope that an agreement can be reached for the female players by the end of next week.
The RLPA and the NRL are working towards a proposal that can be taken back to the players in the hope of agreeing to what would be the first CBA for the game’s female players.
Sources with knowledge of the talks who spoke anonymously due to the confidentiality of the negotiations told the Herald the previously hostile nature of discussions had simmered.
While issues such as maternity leave remain unsolved, there were constructive discussions about the representative scheduling for NRLW players and both parties left the meeting with a greater understanding of the claims and terms that have been the topics of negotiation.
The development comes after Abdo told the Herald on Monday that he blamed the RLPA’s unwillingness to compromise for the stalemate that is threatening to derail the start of the NRL season on March 2.
“This argument that the NRL hasn’t prioritised or shown respect to the players is simply not true,” Abdo told the Herald.
“We have spent months listening and refining our offers to the RLPA for a new CBA. The RLPA have not shown much movement in their statements of claims over this period. In my view, the prioritisation and compromise has been one-sided. We could shake hands now, and accept every claim being made.
“My life would become a whole lot easier and we could get back to focusing on growing the sport. But we are custodians for the game. We can’t send the game bankrupt. The accountability for thinking long-term and in the best interests of all stakeholders sits with the commission.
“As CEO of the NRL, I am accountable to get a deal done. It needs to be a fair and reasonable deal. I take that very seriously. However, in order to do that I need to be able to work with a counterparty that’s willing to prioritise and compromise.”
The discussion around the men’s CBA has been put on hold until a position is agreed upon for the women’s game.
The RLPA is fighting for a $200 million benefits fund, which would include financial support for injury hardship money and medical retirement. One of the sticking points remains the NRL’s reluctance to hand over the money without control over how that money is divided.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
