NRL stars take to social media amid CBA delay

Josh McAllister 19 Jan 2023 1:15 PM

NRL and NRLW stars have taken to social media to protest the delays of the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with strike action still a possibility.

Australia and Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco was among those who shared their concerns online, posting: “Players are UNITED. We will continue fighting for what is fair.”

Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary also shared the same message to his Instagram page with more than 300,000 followers.

NRL stars such as Latrell Mitchell, Daly Cherry-Evans, Jarome Luai and Chad Townsend also shared an image of a blank frame to protest, with other captions stating: “This is not just about pay. NRL listen to us.”

NRLW players are also involved with the stalled negotiations, and stars wrote on Instagram: “No CBA, no players. No players, no NRLW.”

The Rugby League Players Association and the NRL have been locked in discussions for months over a new collective bargaining agreement.

The CBA impacts on players’ contracts, detailing the terms and conditions of their employments, but also how much of the league’s revenue filters down to the players.

The negotiations have also stalled any confirmation of an international calendar.

Strike action still a possibility in NRL

The RLPA have been active on social media. A recent post quoted Chad Townsend, who said: “We want a well-funded Past Players Program, better funding for the Injury Hardship Fund, funding for a Medical Support Fund, agreement rights on our employment conditions, match fees outside the cap, and a first-ever CBA for women. Their salary cap announcement doesn’t resolve any of that but it’s their way of hindering our wishes.”

Strike action also remains a possibility, with the season set to kick-off on March 2. There was an initial deadline of October 31 to reach an agreement, but that has long passed.