Two of rugby league’s most respected players, Nicho Hynes and Patrick Carrigan, have joined the Rugby League Players Association’s (RLPA) Men’s Player Advisory Group (Men’s PAG).
The Men’s PAG serve as immediate representatives for all RLPA members, offering feedback and conveying player-related concerns to the board and players’ association management.
As long serving Delegates for their respective Sharks and Broncos clubs, Hynes and Carrigan bring extensive experience in advocating for player rights. Their appointment to the Men’s PAG reflects their growing leadership within the RLPA and the trust placed in them by the playing group.
“The RLPA is incredibly proud to announce Nicho and Pat as the newest members of the Men’s PAG,” said Jamie Buhrer, General Manager of Player and Football Operations.
“Both are tremendous players and have balanced their on-field achievements with their leadership off the field. Their climb from Delegates to members of the Men’s PAG shows how highly respected they are by the broader playing group.
“The Men’s PAG has helped progress player rights for players under the current joint-CBA. We have no doubt that Nicho and Pat will add significant value for their fellow players in their time as members of the group.”
On joining the Men’s PAG, Wiradjuri man Nicho praised the leadership of the RLPA’s General President Daly Cherry-Evans, who is also a member of the group.
“Being an RLPA Delegate for my club has shown me how much work our player leaders have put in over the years—especially our General President, Daly Cherry-Evans,” said Nicho.
“I’m proud to hopefully play a bigger role in that legacy.”
Hynes and Carrigan join Euan Aitken as the newest members of the Men’s PAG, with Aitken joining in November last year.
The only change to the Women’s Player Advisory Group since the addition of Jasmine Peters last July has been the retirement of Karina Brown.
Men’s Player Advisory Group
Daly Cherry-Evans (General President)
Chad Townsend (Director)
Felise Kaufusi (Director)
Shaun Lane
Kurt Capewell
Euan Aitken
Patrick Carrigan
Nicho Hynes
About the Men’s Player Advisory Group
Established in 2019, the Men’s Player Advisory Group has played a crucial role in shaping RLPA strategy, particularly during the most recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.
Positioned between the club Delegate structure and the RLPA Board, the Men’s PAG comprises players from across the NRL who provide critical insights and feedback. Their input directly influences key RLPA decisions, ensuring that player perspectives are heard at the highest levels of the players association.
In this role, Men’s PAG members bridge communication between players and decision-makers, advocating for the needs and rights of their fellow players.
