The RLPA has called for an NRL player boycott on all media during NRL matches over the collective bargaining agreement.
This means that players will no longer attend pre-game, post-game and halftime interviews during NRL matches, due to the CBA exploding, according to Fox Sports.
It comes after months of frustrating talks between the RLPA and the NRL, with a group of senior players agreeing on Tuesday night that they would abandon all media commitments on days when an NRL, NRLW or State of Origin game is played.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that "broadcasters such as Nine Entertainment Co and Foxtel won't be able to interview players before or after the Origin finale in Sydney on Wednesday night".
From Thursday, July 6, all NRL players have been instructed to refuse to take part in all TV, radio, print and digital interviews until the end of Round 19.
Players will only be allowed to partake in interviews only on Monday and Tuesday each week.
The RLPA is set to hold a press conference at 14:45 on Wednesday to announce the latest course of action with both the NRL and Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
FULL RLPA STATEMENT
Dear Members,
After meeting with over 50 player leaders from all clubs last night, players unanimously decided that we must take action as a result of the NRL's rejection of our settlement proposal and their unacceptable demands of players.
The unreasonable ultimatum of the ARL Commission and the NRL, and their refusal to continue to negotiate the CBA, has forced the players into action.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Players have determined that the action to take is that all players will boycott the media from the first NRL, NRLW (including trials) or State of Origin match of every week to the last. This action will commence tomorrow Thursday July 6th.
The media boycott includes no:
โข Pre-match interviews (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
โข Half-time interviews (TV)
- Post-match interviews (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
โข Post-match press conference
โข Media opportunities in the dressing rooms (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
โข Media opportunities in mixing zones (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
โข Direct communication with media via a player's mobile phone or social media
If a Player's team is not scheduled to play that day, the boycott is still in effect and includes:
โข External media opportunities organised by a players' Club (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
โข Any direct communication from media via a player's mobile phone or social media
Players will take part in media during the boycott if:
โข It is a Club-owned media commitment and specifically for the development of Club-owned content
(e.g. website, social media for the players' club).
โข Where a player has a current, pre-existing, individual arrangement in place with a media outlet (radio/print/broadcast).
From Monday to Wednesday each week (unless there is an Origin match, then it will be Monday to Tuesday), there will be no media boycott.
If you have any questions about the above, please contact your RLPA Delegates or RLPA Player Operations Manager.
WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE?
The purpose of this player action is to force a change to the failed CBA process and deliver three (3) critical outcomes:
1. A complete draft collective bargaining agreement with terms covering all NRL and NRLW players, ready for ratification by NRL and NRLW players. And in the interim:
2. The NRL and RLPA must commence meetings with an industrial relations mediator to work
between both documents (the RLPA's settlement proposal and the NRL's response) and mediate an outcome on all issues.
3. All NRL player benefits and support payments must return to pre-COVID levels agreed upon under the original CBA (2018 - 2022). We will also be raising a formal dispute to challenge the NRL's decision.
This player action is supported by the RLPA Board.
WHY ARE PLAYERS TAKING ACTION?
The overwhelming feedback we have heard from players is that we are all united. Players have been clear in their unity and need for action, based on our player leader meeting last night and during all our recentclub visits.
We have been forced into this position because of the NRL's take-it-or-leave-it offer for your CBA. The NRL and ARL Commission have effectively halted negotiations.
We are the party that is trying to keep things moving and reach an agreeable position. They have accepted all concessions the players made to settle negotiations, but have made over 100 changes which further erode player positions.
The NRL and ARL Commission don't want to hear from players anymore. But it is clear they want to retain unreasonable power over us and your Association.
The NRL and ARL Commission also believes that NRL player benefits should be paid at COVID-reduced levels. Our firm position is that NRL players are owed millions in benefits โ a debt that the NRL must pay.
It is unfair for players to be kept at COVID-reduced levels while the NRL generates record revenues.
We now find ourselves close to November 1, and if no agreement is reached by then there will be no CBA in place for both men and women (women will still have their terms sheet in place, but no CBA with additional terms and conditions). That would hold huge consequences for our game and would be putting the livelihoods of players and clubs in jeopardy.
Please remain aware that key figures of NRL management and the ARL Commission will attempt to work against us through the media and stakeholders, or by contacting you directly. The media will also take this opportunity to attack and demonise us.
The key to player action, however, will be that we all remain strong and united to eventually get the three outcomes above that we are demanding.
HOW WILL WE SUPPORT PLAYERS?
To help support players, our next steps will be:
Holding a press conference today at 2.45pm to brief the industry on player action.
Speaking with your Club CEOs, Football Managers, and Media Managers to brief them on the player action.
Requesting a meeting with the television broadcasters (Channel Nine and Fox Sports).
Creating social media content for players to share and help spread our message.
We are standing up and holding firm to represent the will and conviction of the players, and we will continue to stay strong for all of you - this matters because you matter, and believe in protecting your rights and your future.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact your RLPA Delegate or RLPA Player Operations Manager if you have any questions or need any support.
