NRL and NRLW players will cover the governing body’s logo on their jerseys starting this week in the latest act of protest in the ongoing pay dispute between the league and its stars.
According to Sydney Morning Herald reports, players discussed the move on Wednesday afternoon amid growing frustration over the slow progress of negotiations between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association.
Players have already taken the drastic step of boycotting media responsibilities on game days as a result of the pay dispute.
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Broncos star Kurt Capewell, who is an RLPA delegate, said the latest move was in response to the NRL not accepting a mediator to enter negotiations between it and the Players Association.
”I really hoped we didn’t have to take any more action if the NRL accepted a mediator to come in and do a professional job,” he said.
“If the deal is as good as the NRL says it is, why not get a mediator in? Neglecting that offer as a way forward is them using their power over us. We’re willing to make a statement to the NRL, we’re not happy with them rejecting what we see as a very fair and honest way to move forward.
“Our boys (at the Broncos) are all for the latest action and we just want to see the CBA done. It’s crucial we get this done ASAP. We see it as a bit disrespectful (the NRL haven’t accepted a mediator), a bit of a slap in the face and an abuse of power.”
The players have also discussed a boycott of the Dally M Medal ceremony on grand final week, an act which last took place in 2003.
Capewell said the players aren’t afraid to take further steps, including delaying the start to games, saying, “Nothing is off the table”.
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Tempers have begun to flare on both sides of the negotiation, with RLPA CEO Clint Newton involved in a fiery interview with Nine’s Karl Stefanovic on Wednesday morning.
Queensland’s victorious State of Origin coach Billy Slater also lashed both sides over the ongoing media boycott this week, saying both parties needed to “grow up”.
”The players not talking to the media, this is getting ridiculous now. Can we just grow up and just work this out? I don’t understand,” he told Wide World of Sports’ The Billy Slater Podcast.
“To watch a game of footy and not hear from the players after the game, I don’t understand how we can’t sit down and work something out.”
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