NRL agrees new pay deal with players to enable 28th May competition restart

May 5, 2020

Speculation that players might derail the NRL's plans to restart its season on 28th May, has ended players to resume training tomorrow after agreeing to a new pay deal.

The NRL and the Rugby League Players' Association has today agreed that players will be guaranteed 80% of their contracted payment for the 2020 season.

In a statement announcing the agreement, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys advised "we said from the start we are all in this together and our players have proved that.

"Many of them are making significant sacrifices for the competition to restart and that is not lost on anyone.".

V'landys said he remained confident the NRL competition was on track to start in three weeks, adding "it is full steam ahead for the resumption of the competition on May 28. All eyes will be on the NRL as the only live sport on television.

"There will never have been more interest in rugby league than on May 28."

Acknowledging the rapidity with which the deal was struck, Rugby League Players' Association Chief Executive, Clint Newton added "we worked through arguably the fastest and most collaborative process in the game's history to secure clarity and clear direction for the industry and our members.

"We set a new standard, which should become the hallmark for our industry, which will give us the best chance to build a more sustainable and solid foundation for the game's future."

NRL clubs are currently limited to have their players train in groups of 10, but are expected to be allowed to resume full squad training next week.

While in quarantine, the New Zealand Warriors have reportedly commenced training in Tamworth as of today while the Melbourne Storm are seeking final approval establish a training base in Albury.

Commenting on the clubs’ relocation, V'landys stated “the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm have had to leave their homes and their families and on behalf of all rugby league fans we thank them for that and we thank all players who will be living with stronger restrictions than current government health orders.

Image: NRL club captains at the 2020 launch. Courtesy of the NRL.

2nd May 2020 - Australian Medical Association urges NRL to be cautious on fast tracking 2020 season restart

2nd May 2020 - New Zealand Warriors granted permission for Australian arrival during COVID-19

30th April 2020 - Federal Sports Minister warns that NRL’s return could be threatened by players’ breach of social distancing requirements

28th April 2020 - NRL announces 20-round season schedule with 25th October grand final

24th April 2020 - Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces framework for return of sport

24th April 2020 - NRL season on target for 28th May restart after agreement with broadcasters

20th April 2020 - Todd Greenberg forced out of NRL Chief Executive role

18th April 2020 - NRL moves forward with competition resumption in late May

17th April 2020 - Prime Minister Morrison outlines plans for lifting of Coronavirus restrictions

13th April 2020 - Federal sports minister says NRL restart plan is ‘a bit ambitious’

9th April 2020 - Broadcaster accuses NRL of ‘mismanagement’ as league announces plans to recommence on 28th May

5th April 2020 - NRL players to lose five months’ pay as part of new shutdown deal

30th March 2020 - NRL slashes costs and backs clubs through Coronavirus crisis

27th March 2020 - NRL and state leagues announce cancellation of competitions and representative programs

26th March 2020 - NRL players face 87% wage cut as clubs stand down staff and coaches

24th March 2020 - NRL announces season suspension

16th March 2020 - Vodafone Warriors to play NRL season matches in Australia

14th March 2020 - Queensland Country Bank Stadium hosts first NRL fixture

13th March 2020 - AFL and NRL seasons to go ahead behind closed doors due to Coronavirus fears

11th March 2020 - NRL’s Bulldogs lose $2 million sponsorship following player scandal

3rd March 2020 - NRL post second consecutive $30 million surplus

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.