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NRL Salary Cap/CBA -2023 - 2027

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13,793
The following was published by the Sydney Morning Herald (source: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...ad-up-in-nrl-pay-dispute-20230126-p5cfkm.html). I know its by Andrew Webster but I found it somewhat informative and thought it might be of interest -

‘I’m not that stupid’: Why some players aren’t sticking their heads up in NRL pay dispute​

Andrew Webster

Andrew Webster

Chief Sports Writer
January 27, 2023 — 5.44am

Earlier this week, I asked a veteran rugby league player when he was going to stick his head above the parapet and get involved in the dispute between the NRL and RLPA over, well … who knows anymore?

Money, power, whether there should be still or sparkling water in the tearoom.

“I’m not that stupid,” the player smiled. “That’s one battle you can’t win.”
If the NRL and RLPA don’t start conceding inches, which is the whole point of negotiation, over their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), this is a battle that will never end. It will just go on and on until everyone’s dead.

Some players are talking tough about going on strike if their demands aren’t met. The players, united, on $320,000 a year, will never be defeated! As the season edges nearer, we’re about to see just how firm they are on those inflammatory remarks.

Presumably, mooted strike action includes the All Stars match in Rotorua on February 11. Presumably, they’re prepared for the vicious backlash they will feel if they don’t attend such an important cultural fixture.

No, they’ll hit a soft target — like the NRL’s fancy new pre-season competition.

Let’s call this pay dispute out for what it really is: a clash of egos between NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and RLPA counterpart Clint Newton.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is the third wheel, of course, and you suspect if he got involved sooner this whole thing could’ve been avoided. Then again, he does relish a fight.

V’landys’ problem is he’s left it to Abdo to hatch a deal and the former commercial officer has proven incapable of getting it done.

Abdo’s predecessors, David Gallop and Todd Greenberg, had their faults but maintained a strong relationship with the playing group.

Gallop famously held a conference at Coogee’s Crowne Plaza in 2007 to walk the players through the game’s financials. It was a farce — half the players didn’t even know the meeting was on and those who did lob were wearing thongs and boardies — but the deal got done.

Greenberg ended the last CBA stand-off by breaking bread with Storm captain Cameron Smith over dinner, probably by candlelight. Now on the other side of the fence for the Australian Cricketers’ Association, he’s playing Cricket Australia off a break.

The problem is Abdo views the world through a commercial lens while Newton will tell you all about the lens and what that lens means to rugby league with indecipherable corporate babble without taking a breath.

There’s so much misinformation being leaked it’s impossible to pick a side, but the palpable distrust between the two parties can be summed up neatly in one conversation involving a manager and his player just before Christmas.

On December 23, the NRL announced a salary cap increase from $9.6 million to $12.1 million. It was a Christmas Miracle!

“Hey bruz,” the manager said. “After that salary cap increase, you’re now getting an extra $260,000 over the next three years. Merry Christmas.”

On the surface, the player should be buying V’landys and Abdo lunch for rest of their lives. The truth is, Santa only came down the chimneys of a select few.

The player had a ratchet clause, which many of the top players can negotiate into their deal but those at the bottom end cannot. The managers can easily sell how good the deal is — because they’re taking a 6 per cent commission.

It was also dirty pool from the NRL because the media release dropped without consultation with the RLPA and immediately painted those who pushed back on it as greedy.

The NRL might be winning the public relations battle, but that move eroded any remaining “good faith” it had with the playing group.

Subsequently, both parties are squabbling over hardship and retirement funds, agreement rights and projected revenue.

The retirement and hardship funds are worth having. Each time an emotional story runs about a player on hard times, or struggling from dementia caused by too many head knocks, fans bleat about the game not doing enough. Big-ups to the players for being passionate about guaranteeing this money.

But even on something as fundamentally good as this, the NRL and RLPA can’t get on the same page.

A News Corp story ran on Wednesday claiming the NRL had offered $200 million for those funds. Newton blew up when he read it, called the reporter, and claimed it was $15 million. That’s some discrepancy.

The RLPA says it wants to control the funds. The NRL says it will have a subcommittee with 50 per cent representatives split down the middle. Tomayto, tomahto? Still or sparkling?

Honestly, it’s like listening to the Hatfields and McCoys.

Newton has said he would be open to all parties getting in a room to work things out. Maybe they should’ve got a room six months ago.

Here’s some advice for free, in corporate-speak: all parties need to stop boiling the ocean, open the kimono, trim the fat and get a frikkin’ deal done.
 

Wb1234

Referee
Messages
21,735

Perth Red

Post Whore
Messages
65,405
Players are provided everything to prevent them getting injured during their playing years (including physical and psychological training) and treatment for injuries during their playing years, to expect continued treatment costs post playing for a seemingly unlimited period is an unreasonable ask.
Again that is the extreme end of the argument against better support. I dont think anyone, including the RLPA expects unlimited funds forever for a player. Just an improvement on the current 12months and some response to the CTE issue. If they are asking for unlimited funds forever then yes it is totally unrealistic, and something no sport offers, but that's why its highly unlikely that's what they are asking for.
 

Iamback

Coach
Messages
16,974
Pretty much sums it up well.

On the $200m to $15m difference in player hardship funds, Surely $200m gets the deal done?
 
Messages
14,247
Pretty much sums it up well.

On the $200m to $15m difference in player hardship funds, Surely $200m gets the deal done?
I think what Webster was trying to show there was Newtons behaviour, as he did with Abdo as well.
This not so subtle article is basically just trying to show the general public that real issue is between these two.
Which makes sense.
I wonder if either, or both, will fall on their sword after it is all done.
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,546
So NRL has presented 5 CBAs and all have rejected by the RLPA

Wonder if any area is actually agreed.
 

Iamback

Coach
Messages
16,974
I think what Webster was trying to show there was Newtons behaviour, as he did with Abdo as well.
This not so subtle article is basically just trying to show the general public that real issue is between these two.
Which makes sense.
I wonder if either, or both, will fall on their sword after it is all done.

There are a couple of senior players who when they retire seem a much better option than Newton, Abdo is good at Financials but not just here but a few times the NRL has shown to be poor at closing deals
 

siv

First Grade
Messages
6,546
There are a couple of senior players who when they retire seem a much better option than Newton, Abdo is good at Financials but not just here but a few times the NRL has shown to be poor at closing deals
Maybe the head of the RLPA must meet a few conditions

- be a ex player
- less than 10y retired

Otherwise they are out of touch with the people they are trying to represent
 

Perth Red

Post Whore
Messages
65,405
There are a couple of senior players who when they retire seem a much better option than Newton, Abdo is good at Financials but not just here but a few times the NRL has shown to be poor at closing deals
Interestingly in the Richardson interview he described Abdo as "not a numbers man".
 

Perth Red

Post Whore
Messages
65,405
Maybe the head of the RLPA must meet a few conditions

- be a ex player
- less than 10y retired

Otherwise they are out of touch with the people they are trying to represent
Newton is both of those things. Also he represents the board that includes 6 current male and female players.


Its always hard to know where the blocks are without being in the room, is it RLPA being unreasonable or NRL being uncompromising?
Considering the track record of the ARLC in last 2 years (and the fact the RLPA has done deals well in advance of this in last 2 CBA deals) I lean to the latter. Diplomacy is no longer one of the strengths of the games leadership.
 

Iamback

Coach
Messages
16,974
Newton is both of those things. Also he represents the board that includes 6 current male and female players.


Its always hard to know where the blocks are without being in the room, is it RLPA being unreasonable or NRL being uncompromising?
Considering the track record of the ARLC in last 2 years (and the fact the RLPA has done deals well in advance of this in last 2 CBA deals) I lean to the latter. Diplomacy is no longer one of the strengths of the games leadership.

Yet Andrew Webster who doesn't like PVL has portioned just as much blame on him
 

Perth Red

Post Whore
Messages
65,405
The RLPA has spoken out against the NRL after the competition announced a new salary cap and failed to acknowledge many issues including medical support, insurance, wellbeing programs and hardship funds throughout negotiations.

Kemp believes this lack of dialogue from the NRL has caused the disruption and put the blame squarely at their feet.

“So, what in fact is a CBA? Otherwise known as a collective bargaining agreement, it is simply that, an agreement between parties who collectively decide what’s best for both,” Kemp said on SENZ Breakfast.
“The NRL now faces a major hurdle, first and foremost for not understanding that collective actually means both parties.
“It is therefore earned the rebuttal from its players simply because of the NRL’s decision not to be inclusive.
“Without inclusivity, there is no permission to confirm a collective bargaining agreement.

“CBAs are not new, if you look at the NFL for instance, players have 48.8 per cent of growth revenue ascertained through a collective agreement.
“That’s significant income that doesn’t just go towards player salaries but pre and post-career outcomes, insurance, and wellbeing programs as well as hardship funds.
“In my entire 14 years as a pro footballer and in my 30 years in the game not once have I benefitted from a CBA.
“Therein lies the reason I support the current players’ stance of calling out the NRL.”

“The NRL has not respected the CBA nor has it included a democratic process and decision making,” Kemp said.
“This prevents playing from voting on and recommending policies that best suit the key player in the agreement – players, not the NRL.
“So where too from here? Players should walk the talk if they are serious about making a stand against dictatorship.
“Honouring the CBA starts with inclusion, voting rights and agreements, it’s very simple – it doesn’t work when the NRL arbitrarily decides who gets what and announces the decisions without even talking to the main stakeholders – the players.
“I think that’s called an NBA – a non-bargaining agreement.”

 
Messages
15,595
Newton is both of those things. Also he represents the board that includes 6 current male and female players.


Its always hard to know where the blocks are without being in the room, is it RLPA being unreasonable or NRL being uncompromising?
Considering the track record of the ARLC in last 2 years (and the fact the RLPA has done deals well in advance of this in last 2 CBA deals) I lean to the latter. Diplomacy is no longer one of the strengths of the games leadership.
Lol
fancythat .
bless little AFLPerth .
who woulda thunk it ….having a go at the ARLC .
bless again .
 

Timmah

LeagueUnlimited News Editor
Staff member
Messages
100,874

NRL season launch and ad campaign in doubt after player boycott threat​

Christian Nicolussi

By Christian Nicolussi

January 27, 2023 — 6.30pm

The NRL may be forced to cancel its season launch after players refused to take part in promotional activities amid the increasingly bitter pay dispute.

The Herald can also reveal the Rugby League Players’ Association has formally requested a three-day lock-in with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo next week in the hope they can finally resolve their differences and sign off on a deal.

The RLPA is expected to make discussions over a CBA for the NRLW the first order of business should Abdo grant them their wish. NRLW players have been training without contracts because the salary cap for the women’s competition remains unknown.

Players last week made it clear they would not assist the NRL with any media or promotional duties leading up to the start of the season.

The NRL is now considering whether to scrap the season launch to save money and avert what looms as a public relations disaster.

Last year’s season’s launch was meant to be held in Penrith but had to be scrapped at the last minute because of the floods.

Panthers duo Ivan and Nathan Cleary fronted last year’s advertising campaign, with the theme ‘Unreal’, which followed the 2021 ‘Defy Impossible’ campaign, the 2020 ‘Simply The Best’ commercial, and the ‘New Era Begins’ in 2019.

The RLPA said that its players would not be involved in shooting any new footage for the ad campaign.

An NRL spokesperson on Friday told the Herald there had been no final decision made about the launch nor the ad.

“We are in ongoing discussions with the RLPA regarding these and other issues and look forward to an exciting 2023 season for our fans,” a spokesman said.

The key differences

WHAT THE NRL HAS OFFERED
- The $12.1 million men’s 2023 salary cap is the largest in history and a 22 per cent increase on last year’s, while the women’s salary cap of $884,000 has seen a rise of 153 per cent.
- $1.347 billion in total payments over five years, up from $980m paid during the previous CBA, which takes in “other benefits” outside player wages including an injury hardship fund, representative payments and welfare and education funds
- A rise in the men’s minimum wage from $80,000 to $120,000, though this figure is still short of the $150,000 the RLPA had targeted

WHAT THE RLPA WANT
- A seat at the table when it comes to making any employment-related changes during the current CBA, including any proposed increased to fines, changing the length of the season, and policies relating to criminal proceedings;
- An increased injury hardship fund, which will now need to cover more than 250 extra players because of the arrival of the Dolphins and 10 NRLW teams;
- A new medical support fund, which allows players to have surgeries and rehabilitation covered more than 12 months after they retire;
- A new collective bargaining agreement for the NRLW;
- Better training wages, an increased minimum wage and match fees;
- Better post-career programs to help players transition into normal life once they stop playing.

The NRL tabled a record $1.347 billion in total player payments for the next five years, up from the $980m offered during the last CBA. But the players are digging their heels in over several other matters, including the lack of funds set aside for the injury hardship fund, as well as the need to have more autonomy with running their own finances.

There have been threats of strike action, but there are no plans to boycott the Indigenous All Stars nor pre-season trials.

North Queensland Cowboy Chad Townsend said last weekend: “I really hope a strike is not the option. As players, we have to consider all our options and what will be best for us. We’ll be prepared to do what it takes to achieve what we believe is fair and reasonable.

“The players are prepared to wait and be patient. We need to make sure the deal we sign isn’t just a good one for this year, but in the next four or five years.”

South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou told the Herald earlier this week: “At the end of the day, nobody wants that [strike]. But at same time they need to make noise and get a seat at the table.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of it all, but from the outside looking in, they look like they are disgruntled because they haven’t had a voice and opportunity to share their thoughts on what they feel is important for the playing group.

“Speaking to them, a lot of the things they’re talking about are things like looking after injured players post career, making sure the womens’ game has what it needs, and the players in the lower-tier [pay bracket].

“They’ve actually been quite selfless with how they have approached it, and it will be good to see them sit down and nut it out with some adult conversation so it can all be resolved.”

 
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Delboy

First Grade
Messages
6,810
Clint Newton enters dick measuring contest, seems to be the way he negotiates. The players are playing the emotional angle on this, not sure it’s the way to win over the fans as they wanted the cap raised , got that and in comes Newton for more.

Seeks like he takes advice from the union leaders of the 70s.
 
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