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About Us

About the RLPA

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) serves as the official representative body for elite rugby league players engaged in the NRL and NRLW competitions, and elite men’s and women’s competitions of the NSWRL and QRL. Formed with a dedicated purpose, the RLPA strives to safeguard and advance the wellbeing of its members.

By championing their rights and interests, the association plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment that acknowledges the unique challenges and aspirations of elite rugby league players across various competitions. Through its advocacy and initiatives, the RLPA contributes to the overall development and empowerment of its members in the dynamic landscape of professional rugby league.

Our Mission

We are fiercely independent, dedicated to protecting and extending rugby league players’ interests, throughout and beyond their careers.

We harness the collective strength of players to demand respect and ensure their voices are heard and valued.

Click here to read the RLPA’s ‘The Advantage Line’ strategy.

Our Values

United

We stand shoulder to shoulder, so we are stronger and achieve more.

Respectful

We embody fairness, trustworthiness, and value understanding all perspectives to best represent the collective.

Relentless

You can count on us to take on the hard stuff, and keep going until we get the best possible outcome.

Leaders

We are committed and determined to build a legacy for past, present and future players.

RLPA Financial Model

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the RLPA negotiated the players’ guaranteed share of NRL revenue in recognition of the significant contribution the players make to generating those revenues.

This share is received by players in the form of payments and benefits (salary payments, match fees, representative payments, retirement account payments, injury hardship fund payments, tickets, insurance, etc). This is referred to as Total Player Payments.

Players agree on how their share of revenue is divided up and distributed across the Total Player Payments. Within the Total Player Payments, there is also a portion that the players have agreed will be directed towards funding their association. This represents the members’ fees and the revenue received funds the operations of their Association

Who is the RLPA?

Dr Deidre Anderson

Dr. Deidre Anderson AM

Chair

In 2019, Dr. Deidre Anderson became the first female Chair in the history of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) following the resignation of Russell Adams. Deidre first joined the RLPA Board of Directors in 2016.

Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans

General President

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles skipper was appointed to the position of General President at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, moving into the role following the retirement of Cameron Smith. Daly has been a player Director on the RLPA Board since 2019.

Clint Newton OAM

Chief Executive Officer

A former professional rugby league player, Clint was appointed as CEO of the RLPA in March 2020. Clint has a long history at the Association as GM of Player and Football Operations, General President, Player Director on the RLPA Board, and was named a Life Member of the RLPA in 2019.

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