Cherry-Evans praises RLPA boss as NRL nears CBA resolution
Manly, Queensland and Australia halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has praised the fortitude of embattled Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) boss Clint Newton for refusing to buckle during spirited 20-month collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations which appear to have finally been resolved.
The National Rugby League (NRL) and the RLPA have reached an in-principle agreement on a CBA which will go before both parties in the next few days to be officially ratified.
It will, if ratified, end one of the most bitter and protracted battles between the two parties that had been threatening to seriously impact the upcoming finals and the NRL’s gala Dally M Awards.
Under the new CBA, NRL players will help themselves to a share of the $1.3 billion allocated to them between 2023 and 2027.
It follows 48 hours of intense negotiations this week to finally resolve a number of sticking points surrounding working conditions, the length of the season, and funds allocated to various RLPA programs.
All industrial action, which included media bans and covering up logos on jumpers, will cease immediately.
Cherry-Evans, who is the General President of the RLPA, said the NRL players had been united in their fight to secure better conditions in the new CBA and had “stood their ground” until the end.
“I don’t recall a CBA taking 20 months to get done,” the Manly skipper said after going down 24-12 to Penrith on Thursday night.
“The players have displayed a heap of solidarity.
“I am proud of the players because there have been a lot of chances for us to fold but we believed in what we were fighting for.”
He singled out Newton, who had been subjected to a number of personal attacks in the media over his strong stance, applauding his unwavering loyalty to the players and their cause.
“Clint Newton has copped a lot of criticism throughout this process,” said Cherry-Evans, who recently passed the 300-game mark with Manly and secured back-to-back State of Origin series wins with Queensland.
“He’s been loyal to this group in the face of some unfair criticism and he needs to be commended for it all.
“We are all very proud of ‘Newto’, he’s done a fantastic job.”
There were calls for Newton to step down as CEO, with questions raised about his trade union links, as negotiations dragged on and then stalled.
Players approached for comment after the Penrith-Manly clash all said they were very happy the long-running saga was finally over and they could now get back to playing rugby league.
The NRL is yet to comment publicly on the resolution.
