RLPA threatens to delay start of NRL games as CBA standoff intensifies, head coach urging warring parties ‘not to let it go too far’
- Fans could see NRL and NRLW matches deliberately delayed
- Part of the ugly ongoing showdown between the NRL and the RLPA
- Pre-media boycott, players also unable to attend Dally M Medal
- Roosters coach Trent Robinson wants an urgent resolution
The Rugby League Players Association has threatened to delay kickoffs in future NRL and NRLW matches as their standoff with the game’s governing body intensifies.
It is the most recent protest movement spearheaded by RLPA CEO Clint Newton, who has repeatedly stressed that he is acting in the best interest of players, both men and women.
Delaying kick-offs will leave football fans with open arms and will also disrupt the broadcast of live matches on Foxtel and Channel Nine.
In child scenes in three NRL games in round 22 so far, players took the pitch with the NRL logo plastered on their shirts.
Telstra, the main sponsor of the NRL for over 20 years, is said to be furious at the protest as it has also become clear that the players have breached their own contracts by covering up the logos.
The Rugby League Players Association has threatened to delay kickoffs in future NRL matches as their standoff with the game’s governing body intensifies (RLPA chief executive Clint Newton pictured)
Melbourne winger Xavier Coates wearing a t-shirt with the NRL logo glued on on Friday.
As revealed by the daily telegraphsection 3.1(k) of all playing contracts stipulates that players must act in the best interests of the club and the NRL at all times.
The latest public hack follows the RLPA telling players to start a media boycott three weeks ago.
Supporters have been left short, unable to hear their heroes before the game, at halftime or at the final whistle.
Cowboys running back Chad Townsend confirmed that NRL and NRLW players would cover the NRL logo this weekend in response to a perceived “disrespect” from the governing body.
“We are stepping up our action as a gaming group because the NRL have shown complete disrespect by not agreeing to what is a very reasonable way forward in negotiations,” he said.
“The NRL and NRLW players need our collective agreements to be agreed as soon as possible, but we will not be dictated to by the Commission or the NRL.”
Cowboys running back Chad Townsend confirmed that players would cover the NRL logo this weekend in response to a perceived “disrespect” from the governing body.
Roosters manager Trent Robinson said a resolution between the RLPA and NRL must be reached, and quickly.
“At the end of the day, they both have to understand that the game is the reason we’re here,” Robinson said after his team’s loss to the Broncos on Thursday.
‘The game is the product, so don’t affect that. How they get the result of those negotiations, they only protect the game.
“We’re in a good position thanks to those two parts, but don’t let things go too far.”
Ominously, there has already been talk that players could boycott the NRL’s annual night of nights, the Dally M Medal, if a resolution is not forthcoming.
