Development list and minimum wage earners will be protected from any direct salary reductions under the revised Collective Bargaining Agreement secured earlier this week.
The National Rugby League (NRL) and the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) agreed to the changes following the significant financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, securing the long-term sustainability of players, clubs and the game.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLINT NEWTON’S INTERVIEW ON FOX SPORTS NEWS
A reduction of 6% to playing salaries for 2021 and 2022 was agreed under the new arrangement, however players at the bottom end of the list will be shielded from any reduction to their salaries.
The top 30 minimum wage of $77,500 (2021) and $80,000 (2022) will be maintained, as will the mandatory Development List salary of $60,000.
RLPA Chief Executive Officer, Clint Newton, told Fox Sports News earlier this week that it was a clear directive from players involved throughout the process.
“We’ve seen from the last few CBA negotiations that players – particularly the elite ones – who are at the table the most, do everything they can to make sure that everyone is looked after and properly protected,” he said.
“I think again that it was a true demonstration of the character that exists within our playing group.
“Our representative players could’ve easily put their foot down and demanded those representative payments stay the same, or have an even less reductions.
“But what they wanted to demonstrate is that they have a collective perspective and they wanted to make sure that those guys at the bottom end of the list and throughout the list are protected.
“Hence why the development list and guys on the minimum wage are protected (from pay cuts).”
Newton also said the deal includes a commitment from the RLPA to work on key projects across the game with the NRL and Clubs.
“There’s opportunities to always review things, what was fundamental to this deal was to ensure that what we do moving forward is work on strategic projects and engage in work with the NRL and Clubs,” he said.
“Things like the player contracting system and wellbeing and education are going to be worked through in a sophisticated way that will only advance the game and ultimately the playing group.”
