I agree that you could fill and Australian team 1000 times over but I think you'll find all players in the NRL and probably NSW and QLD cup are covered by the Player's Union agreement (TBH I don't know if member ship is mandatory) so they would all be united in the 'rest year' even if they wanted to play.
What I don't understand is, does it only cover Australian players? Because English NRL and NZ NRL players still play in the rest year. Or, maybe the rest is optional. Although I hate the rest year, I wouldn't like to see a 6th string Australian side running around in Kangaroos jersey - it chepens the history and is just as bad for the international game's creditbility.
I just hope the new agreement puts an end to it either way. The players are now partners in the game - get out and play and promote the game at all levels, including the pinnacle of Australian Rugby League - the Kangaroos. And I use the word pinnacle deliberately, it is harder to make the Kangaroo starting lineup than it is to make the NSW, QLD or any NRL team starting lineup - it is the pinnacle.