The NRL’s offer to the RLPA represents a landmark deal for the players. The NRL and Clubs have provided substantial improvement in player payments, benefits and conditions.
- The players will share an unprecedented $1.347 billion in total player payments from 2023-2027.
- This represents a 37.4% increase as compared to the $980 million total player payments agreed for 2018-2022.
- The NRL salary cap increases by 25.4% in 2023 alone and will reach $12.7 million by 2027.
- The minimum wage will progressively increase reaching $150,000 by 2027.
- Introduction of a past Player Medical Support program, Transition and Past Player programs and General Hardship Fund with a combined allocation of $10 million to establish these new programs.
- An expanded Injury Hardship Fund will be created, with a dedicated allocation of $9 million.
- An expanded and jointly managed Wellbeing & Education program will be available to all players with an allocation of $25 million.
- Beyond financial benefits, the Players will receive improved conditions compared to the previous CBA including increased mandatory leave and time off; opening of eligibility to play NRL to Supplementary List players; and mandated entry and exit medicals to ensure accurate medical data is kept up to date to better serve the recovery of players.
- The NRL has acknowledged the players’ concerns regarding the introduction of a ‘trade window’. While the NRL still believe it would be beneficial for the game, we acknowledged the resistance to the proposal. In order to get a deal done, we excluded the key elements the NRL was seeking for a trade window from its offer.
The NRL is disappointed that the RLPA has decided to take this unnecessary action, which is damaging to the game and to the detriment of broadcast partners, sponsors and importantly fans.
It is important to correct a number of statements made by the RLPA today that are incorrect.
The RLPA stated that the NRL and ARLC are only paying NRL players the COVID reduced benefits. This is incorrect. The NRL and ARLC are paying players significantly above the contractual entitlements under the “rollover terms” applicable to the 2023 season – Salary Cap for 2023 is a record $12.1m, +25.4% compared to 2022, minimum wage has increased +50% to $120,000.
Further, the NRL and RLPA have agreed and signed the first-ever NRLW CBA Term Sheet which provides certainty to the NRLW players for the next five years ahead of an exciting, expanded NRLW competition. It brings substantial benefits to female athletes, including an NRLW Salary Cap that will reach $1.58 million by 2027.
The NRL’s offer provides increased agreement and consultation rights for the RLPA and players, including agreement rights on changes to the season structure that have a material impact on the workload of the Players which includes addition of more regular season matches.
The suggestion that the NRL has not been listening to the players is not correct. The NRL and Clubs have spent well over 12 months negotiating and carefully considering the players requests. This includes recognising the players priorities to provide greater support to players transitioning from the game and support players in retirement and hardship. In listening to the players, the NRL offer meets the RLPA’s request on the Injury Hardship Fund, and establishment of new and expanded funds including the General Hardship Fund, Past Player Medical Support and Past Player Transition Program.
The Australian Rugby League Commission is the governing body of rugby league in Australia and has an obligation to act in the best interests of the game both in the immediate and long-term, including protecting the interests of all of stakeholders in the game.
