Rugby league players have declared they will tape over and obscure the NRL logo in this weekend’s prominent Women in League Round in a dramatic escalation in negotiations with the governing body around the next collective bargaining agreement.
The current CBA expired last year but was rolled over for 12 months, leaving the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association with a deadline of October to secure a new deal covering pay and conditions.
The parties’ discussions have stalled in recent months. The players have already abandoned their traditional media commitments around matches, starving broadcasters and journalists of content in an effort to bring the NRL back to the negotiating table.
“We are escalating our action as a playing group because the NRL have shown a complete lack of respect by not agreeing to what is a very reasonable path forward in negotiations,” said Chad Townsend, North Queensland Cowboys half and member of the RLPA players’ advisory group.
“The NRL and NRLW players need our CBAs agreed as soon as possible, but we don’t be dictated to by the [Australian Rugby League] Commission or NRL.”
The RLPA has taken issue with several parts of the NRL’s latest offer, including the NRL maintaining an ability to extend the season for two matches without agreement from players. The RLPA is also seeking amendments in areas of player data, financial reporting, consultation, sharing of above-forecast revenue and rollover terms. The parties reached an in-principle agreement for NRLW players in February that has facilitated this year’s season, but settling specifics of the deal remains outstanding.
The Women in League Round is an important week for the NRL for messaging and marketing. At the launch on Tuesday, Australian Rugby League commissioner, Megan Davis, said the round “isn’t just token”. “It’s not just about women taking the lead but about the entire rugby league ecosystem being involved – from the women’s game to the men’s game – but also for us a big priority is about looking at the ways in which women can enter the sport.” Clubs use it to showcase their prominent women, drive ticket sales and sell one-off jerseys.
Newcastle Knights NRLW player Nita Maynard explained on Instagram the players will be covering the logo because “we want protection and respect”.
“It’s Women in League Round, but NRLW players still don’t have a CBA,” she said. “What does that say about the respect the NRL has for women playing rugby league? That’s why all players will be covering the badge.”
The NRL has yet to provide a response to the players’ latest move, though chief executive Andrew Abdo said on Tuesday the players’ media ban means it has been left to others to promote the game. “The players will make their own choices or on what they’re deciding to do,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for us, we want the CBA resolved as soon as possible.”
A potential boycott by players of the Dally M medal ceremony later this year has been raised, echoing the experience in 2003 when the award was cancelled.
