Australian, Queensland and Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith can add the title of general president of the Rugby League Players Association to an esteemed professional career.
The 339-game veteran was elected to the role by his peers earlier this week as CBA negotiations continue between the RLPA and NRL.
"We're working towards a fixed percentage (of revenue)," Smith said. "We have a number in mind we think is fair but that's up to ongoing discussions.
"We're not asking for anything more than what we deserve.
"Todd [Greenberg] and his team have been receptive to talks held with him. At this stage, it looks promising for our playing group."
As a well-respected voice in the game, Smith has many issues to address on behalf of the players and was complimentary of NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg who has been in the position since March 2016.
"Todd Greenberg and his team have had open ears to our discussions on what we want to talk about, that's pleasing to hear," Smith said. "He's quite keen to work in with everyone to get the best possible outcome for all parties, not just the NRL and the players, but for the fans and members as well as kids aspiring to be NRL players.
"Todd Greenberg has been at club land and been alongside the players and knows, and understands what conditions we work in.
"[Mental health] is going to be a huge part of it. With the NRL playing group, welfare and safety is a huge topic for us.
"Another topic is systems or plans in place for retired players to make the transition from professional footballer to their next path or career in life, and make it as smooth as possible."
Smith also added the players are excited about being a partner in expanding the NRL.
"When we talk about a fixed share of the revenue, it's saying we want to become genuine partners of the game," Smith said. "We want to work alongside the NRL administration to make it better.
"There's a lot of great ideas Todd and his team have moving forward over the next five years that he needs the players to be a part of to grow the game. We most definitely want to be part of that.
"We have some ideas of our own that we'd like to share but until we are made genuine partners of the game, that will be hard to do."
"We all love the game. We just want to make it the best it can be."
