July 4 2017 - 6:10PM
RLPA excludes revenue streams in CBA negotiation concession
by Adrian Proszenko and Phil Lutton
The Rugby League Players' Association has written off hundreds of millions of dollars worth of revenue streams in its demand for a fixed share of the game's spoils, but the concession has done nothing to progress a collective bargaining agreement with the NRL.
The NRL and the RLPA met again on Tuesday as part of a two-day scheduled lockdown meeting, with both parties leaving the negotiating table at about 12.45pm frustrated at the lack of progress. There were suggestions the union and its players in attendance – including Moses Mbye, Aidan Guerra, Joel Thompson and Jeremy Latimore – staged a walkout after they were unable to break the stalemate. This was denied by the RLPA, although the association is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of headway made and the way it is being portrayed by the governing body.
The RLPA is holding out for a guaranteed 29 per cent share of revenue, but has made a large concession in the revenue streams it wants a piece of in an attempt to fast-track a deal. Fairfax Media can reveal that leagues club funding, contra and the costs of building the NRL digital platform – the latter slated as being worth more than $120 million – have been removed from the slice of the revenue pie the union originally sought.
The RLPA has given the NRL permission to disseminate its latest proposal to clubs in the belief they will view it favourably. It will be interesting to see how the news is received, particularly given that head office was slammed for misrepresenting the players' demands when claiming the original offer would "ultimately destroy the financial viability and structure of the game and its clubs".
While both parties claim they are prepared to meet at any time, it's likely Wednesday's talks will be cancelled.
"Despite what has been reported, players did not 'stage a walkout' at the meeting," RLPA boss Ian Prendergast said.
"In fact, they discussed the merits of their revised proposal at length and worked through all the items on the agenda.
"Players are disappointed with the ongoing leaking of misleading information that has occurred throughout the process. The public deserve the truth, particularly given the importance of these discussions to the future of rugby league.
"We have requested that the NRL take the players' revised offer back to clubs for their consideration, which we believe is fair and affordable. It also includes significant concessions that players have agreed to make during these negotiations.
"Considering the game has grown off the back of the players' performance and them putting their bodies on the line week in, week out, we believe they deserve a fair deal. This will also allow the NRL record levels of revenue to invest in other areas of the game.
"The RLPA remains committed to meeting at any time to work through the issues that need to be resolved."
The NRL claims its offer will result in wages rising 48 per cent over the life of the next CBA, raising average salaries above $300,000.
"Our position is that we're happy to keep talking," an NRL spokesperson said.
"It's common in negotiations that you hit a roadblock but we believe talking is the best way to get it settled."
The game's biggest names are mobilised and ready to fight for their rights. Both State of Origin teams walked into the opening day of their respective camps wearing caps emblazoned with the "RLPA" logo on them.
While the NRL is claiming the players' share of revenue has increased from 26 to 28 per cent, the union feels the share has been distorted by shifting costs from clubs into the players' share.
"The playing group and the RLPA are getting a little bit frustrated with the lack of commitment from the NRL towards our vision moving forward," said Maroons captain and RLPA president Cameron Smith.
"I think we've got a pretty good turnout in Sydney today, about 14 players getting out of training to go to this meeting and show their support of not only the RLPA, but showing the unity the playing group has and our willingness to be genuine partners of the NRL.
"It's been a bit unfortunate with some misleading comments from the NRL around the CBA and our proposal and what we want to do there. Hopefully they can commit to what we believe is something very positive for our game, moving forward and trying to grow it."
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has yet to attend any of the negotiation sessions, a point the players have seized upon.
"I think if he was to sit in on it and sit down with Ian Prendergast and talk to him, I thought there could be a deal done," Smith said.
"It's waiting to be done. Let's hope we can make some small steps forward.
"The cricket has [come to a stalemate]. But the thing that buoys us is the AFL got a deal done, it's a closer fit. I was extremely happy to see the AFL players and the AFL got it done. We understand it's a long process but we're patient. We're not going to walk away from this. We believe what we have put forward to the NRL is fair and we're not budging."
