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News from the kindergarten

Frenzy.

Immortal
Messages
48,642
First it was a media blockout. Then it was NRL logos being covered up. Next it could be the Dally M Medal ceremony.

But it's the more immediate action that the Rugby League Players Association are considering over their stalled negotiations in the collecrtive bargaining agreement war against the NRL that could have the game's governing body more concerned.

According to News Corp, the RLPA are considering telling players to delay games and disrupt the game day experience for fans, while also impacting the ability of broadcasters to stick to pre-arranged and pre-approved schedules.

It's understood this would see players remain in their dressing rooms well past the scheduled kick-off time of games, refusing to run onto the field and start games.

It's a tactic that has never been seen before in the NRL, but one which would have untold consequences for the NRL, who are already dealing with the fallout from logos being covered up.

It may mean nothing to the average fan, but according to the report, Telstra, who are the major sponsor of the NRL, were less than impressed with their own logo being covered up as part of the NRL one.

That comes as The Sydney Morning Herald reports the NRL themselves, infuriated with the slow negotiations, are considering cutting off all funding for the RLPA.

The RLPA receive $3 million per year in funding from the NRL to run their operations, and without the money, it's unclear how they would operate or continue to be able to negotiate the deal.

The barbs exchanged between the two sides are unlikely to slow down in the near future, with the two sides still locked at the negotiating table for a deal which originally had a deadline to be negotiated of last October.

The lack of a deal and salary cap confirmation during the pre-season led to fears over a player strike, and it's something the RLPA have still refused to rule out, with the waring parties unable to come to an agreement on a number of key matters, mainly over the playing group having more say in the game.

That could become even more so the case if the salary cap in itself ceases to exist when the CBA, which was rolled over for another 12 months as an emergency matter so that the game could continue, expires in November.

The RLPA claim the argument has nothing to do with asking for more money from the NRL, while the NRL have been unmoved on many of the non-negotitable discussion points from the players' union.

It's understood independed negotiators have been offered as the two parties attempt to reach a conclusion on the now almost 12-month stalemate that has impacted the game in multiple areas.

With no end in sight, the RLPA have reportedly expressed that players will consider boycotting the finals launch and Dally M Medal as their next course of action if no progress is made.

_____
 

DJDL

Bench
Messages
4,599
I’ve been wondering how long it would take the NRL to threaten to cease funding.

That would be hilarious.
 

Chimp

Bench
Messages
2,563
The players should if serious, go on strike instead of playing the finals.
The won’t, because that would hit them in the pocket - this cause is very important to them, important enough to go to war with the NRL and to destroy relationships with fans and broadcasters (who pay the bills), but not important enough to put any of their own skin in the game. Theyre even still doing their ‘paid’ media, in the midst of the media boycott - hypocrites.
 
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Reactions: PJ
Messages
4,429
I'd be careful playing that game.

They'd be in breach of contract with the broadcasters and I know who'd come knocking for their money back.

absolutely f**king stupid.
 

2012....Sharks Year

First Grade
Messages
5,441
Here’s a novel idea…. Because the RLPA is essentially a union the players should fund it anyway. Of the roughly 200 million salary cap… 3 mill Is 1.5%. Bearing in mind the salary cap has increased by 25% this year alone I reckon they can afford it just quietly.
 

Chimp

Bench
Messages
2,563
The sharks are leaders in this field. We went on strike about 3 weeks back. In unison
Straight after Origin 1… The players in solidarity with Nicho decided to phone it in for the rest of the year…..

In fairness, against the Panthers was probably the best ‘effort’ since Origin 1, we were just blown away by a far superior team, but they did graft their nuts off.

Something still just doesn’t seem right amongst the group - they were all so close and matey at the start of the season, and last year, a really close knit group. Whereas now, they’re playing like strangers, there’s no buzz amongst them - but that could just be because of results…

Anyway, back to the RLPA, it’s not a real Union, it’s being run by dumb footballers (and ex-footballers) who either think it’s cool to be in a battle with the authorities, are greedy/self-centred/self-entitled or who are trying to frame themselves for other roles post-football/RLPA (or a mix of column A, B and C), and given they’ve actually managed to get themselves a great deal as it is, this would not be an ongoing dispute in any other walk of life or trade Union, they’d have signed off on what is a great deal and taken the win - these imbeciles are ridiculous.
 

Peach & Apricot

Juniors
Messages
416
The players should not let their industry and career be sabotaged by the mediocre failure Clint Newton, who has gone from sleeping with Jennifer Hawkins to now getting excited about being on stage with Sally McManus.

We do not need the ACTU and idiot unions ruining the game.
 

shadowboxer

First Grade
Messages
6,427
The players should not let their industry and career be sabotaged by the mediocre failure Clint Newton, who has gone from sleeping with Jennifer Hawkins to now getting excited about being on stage with Sally McManus.

We do not need the ACTU and idiot unions ruining the game.
Did he even get that far with Jen Hawkins? I just assumed he was her driver from pub to pub in Newcastle or they dated in primary school
 

Stake Removed

First Grade
Messages
9,929
They dated when he was a Knights player and she was a 20yo cheerleader. Newton broke up with her to "concentrate on footy". LOL.
He is the greatest Darwin award winner.
I am trying to think how great a footballer he was, he needed to break up with her to perform lol
 

fizman

Bench
Messages
3,424
Interestingly, the Player Agents have been silent throughout these diabolical shenanigans. If the RLPA had half a brain, they would engage the Player Agents or a Sub Committee to collectively be involved - Why?

The Player Agents have a serious vested interest in the game - they don't want to lose $$$.
The Player Agents have stronger influence with their Clients - they are the Trusted Mentor looking after their best interests - Players will more likely listen to the Advisers.

Perhaps the next measure of protest from the RLPA is to play with AFL balls?
 

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