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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 Purpose

The RLPA exists to protect and advance the interests of our members (the players) and the game. The RLPA also represents, empowers and supports players throughout their rugby league careers. We achieve this purpose by valuing different perspectives and balancing competing interests, while remaining focused on our stated objectives. We act with integrity, while collaborating with and harnessing the collective strength of the players. Our values are professionalism, courage, fairness and respect and our vision is a strong, connected and growing game driven by empowered and successful 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 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

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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