After four years as General President (2021-2025), Daly Cherry-Evans has departed the most senior role of the Rugby League Players Association, ending an incredible tenure of growth and advancement for player rights in rugby league.
Daly has also vacated his role as Director on the Board of the RLPA, a position he held since 2019.
The RLPA extends its deepest gratitude to Daly for the incredible leadership he has provided to the strongly united NRL and NRLW playing groups over many years, leaving a lasting legacy that will be felt by current and future players.
During his time as Director, Daly was at the forefront of the game’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and he played a critical role in getting players back to the field and ensuring the elite game could continue.
In 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, Daly was appointed General President of the RLPA, following in the footsteps of fellow Queensland captain Cameron Smith, and took on the huge responsibility as General President as the pandemic continued and collective bargaining negotiations began.
Daly, the 2024 Dennis Tutty Award winner, showed exceptional leadership in the game juggling multiple leadership responsibilities as captain of his club and state, and General President of the players. He was also an invaluable and willing RLPA Delegate, and Men’s Player Advisory Group Member.
Daly was vital in ensuring the players’ interests were represented, advanced and protected, building an impressive track record of achievements for the RLPA, all delivered with relentless and unwavering commitment.
Daly Cherry-Evans thanks the playing group
“I want to say a massive thank you to the playing group for the support they have shown me throughout my time as RLPA General President and as a Director,” said Daly Cherry-Evans.
“I cannot claim credit for any single achievement, but I’m proud to have played a part, however small, in helping the players reach so many important milestones. Lifting minimum wages for both male and female players, improving working conditions for all players, establishing new funds and programs, and delivering the first-ever CBA for the women’s game are great outcomes we achieved together.”
“I could not have served for as long as I have without the complete backing and support of the playing group, the rugby league community, and everyone at the RLPA. Thank you.”
“I step down with complete confidence and genuine excitement about what lies ahead. The game is in a great place, and there is an incredible list of young and emerging leaders ready to achieve and deliver more great things for the current and future generations.”
As a Director and General President, Daly Cherry-Evans was part of:
Restarting the NRL in 2020 during the pandemic, ensuring players returned safely and stayed employed
Negotiating the first-ever genuine revenue share for players
Implementing the first-ever CBA for female players
Delivering the first-ever joint long-form CBA for NRL and NRLW players
Getting the NRL minimum playing salary to $145,000 in 2027
Securing the NRLW minimum playing salary at $50,600 by 2027
Establishing the Past Player & Transition Program, Player Hardship Fund, and Past Player Medical Support Fund
Creating League Ahead, the wellbeing and education body for elite players
Leading and inspiring the most united and committed playing group in history
Expanding the Injury Hardship Fund.
The RLPA will announce the new General President later this month.
