NRL players escalate pay dispute: Boycott extends to covering NRL logo on Jerseys

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing pay dispute between the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) and the NRL, players have decided to extend their boycott measures. RLPA boss Clint Newton has come under heavy criticism as the feud continues to escalate into Round 22 of the 2023 NRL season.

The RLPA initially imposed a media ban, aiming to strengthen their position in negotiations with the NRL over the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). However, with little progress, players have now taken new measures, including covering up the NRL logo on their jerseys.

Braith Anasta, speaking on NRL 360, questioned the effectiveness of this new action and its impact on the CBA negotiations. He suggested that the negotiations need to be taken away from Clint Newton and the players, with the NRL directly involved in ironing out a deal.

This move to cover the NRL logo is viewed as the most aggressive action taken by the players thus far. The RLPA and its senior delegates informed players about the decision, leading to all 16 clubs involved in Round 22 matches and the 10 NRLW franchises covering up the NRL logo on their jerseys.

The NRLW is also part of the protest, despite the NRL celebrating the Women In League Round during this weekend. The players’ actions indicate their frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations, and they have been seeking a fair and honest way to move forward with the CBA.

Despite the players’ actions, some, like James Hooper, have criticized Clint Newton for allegedly prioritizing his interests over the players’. Hooper called for Newton to step away from public statements, suggesting that his influence is causing harm to the players’ cause.

The NRL has shown reluctance to involve an independent mediator in the negotiations, a proposal put forth by the RLPA. Instead, they prefer a direct involvement of NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys in brokering a deal with players directly.

As the standoff continues, it remains uncertain how the NRL will respond to the players’ actions and if further measures will be taken to resolve the long-standing pay dispute. The players have made it clear that they are willing to take significant steps to voice their concerns and fight for a fair CBA.

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