NRL Finalises Player Pay Cut Deal With RLPA
The NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) have announced all players have secured two months of pay while the 2020 season is suspended but will surrender the final five months of their salary if the 2020 season is cancelled.
The agreement comes after the NRL season was suspended over rising fears over the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic.
The agreement ensures $24.6 million will be distributed to players over monthly instalments, and if the season resumes, the RLPA has negotiated a minimum 29.5% share of any net revenue the game raises via a condensed competition.
NRL CEO, Todd Greenberg, said it was a difficult conversation between all parties, due to the unprecedented event of the NRL season being suspended.
“The players understand the severity of the circumstances we face and have demonstrated their willingness to work with us to secure the best possible outcome to protect the long-term future of our game,” Greenberg said.
“I know it hasn’t been easy and I thank the RLPA and the playing group for their maturity, professionalism and diligence in helping us reach this solution.
“[RLPA chief executive, Clint Newton has] shown tremendous leadership throughout these discussions.
“It is only through collaboration and mutual trust that we have been able to complete this agreement in order to preserve the game’s long-term future,” he said.
Newton said the entire NRL community has been affected by the pandemic and it was important to protect the future of rugby league in Australia.
“Our great game and our people are feeling those effects,” Newton said.
“The Coronavirus pandemic has placed the game and its people under huge pressure and players have assumed the responsibility, like many others, to ensure the future of our clubs and the NRL is protected.
“Players will share in this pain while games are suspended and have done what was required to ensure the game’s short- and longer-term future.
“However, we want to be clear that this arrangement is based on the worst-case scenario, should we not get back on the field in 2020.
“Based on the current financial position of the game, the information we have been provided and the guarantees we have secured, we believe that this is a fair deal and we have secure the best outcomes for our members, while ensuring they are protected and included upfront in decision making long-term,” he said.
Canberra Raiders co-captain, Jarrod Croker, added it was nice to have the deal finalised after a gruelling negotiation period.
“I know how hard the RLPA have been working,” Croker said.
“They’ve bent over backwards for everyone really.
“The whole world is in the same boat, everyone’s struggling together.
“No one enjoys a pay cut.
“I’ve never met a bloke who wants to take a pay cut.
“For the sake of the club and the game it’s the way it has to be.
“Everyone in every job is going to have to take a hit somewhere along the lines,” he said.
In addition to the terms of the agreement, the NRL has also made the Retirement Account open to players suffering financial hardship, with those needing to access it being guaranteed their full amount if necessary.
