New Australian Rugby TV Deal Talks Include Top Execs

The Australian Rugby League players union has officially notified the ARL commission of its "plans to invite some of the game's biggest names to the negotiating table" when formal talks begin over how to "split up the riches on offer from the game's next television deal," according to THE AUSTRALIAN. Talks will begin "most likely next month." The Rugby League Players Association has taken the first step in the process "by notifying the commission of its desire to begin talks" over the next collective bargaining agreement, which defines the salary cap, State of Origin payments and minimum wage. Among the rugby players "likely to sit at the negotiating table" are players Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Petero Civoniceva and Robbie Farah. Farah said, "Footy players, we want the world but we're not willing to do anything for it. We expect things to happen and expect things to get better for us." Farah added, "As players, we need to take more of an active role in that." The next CBA "shapes as the most pivotal in the code's history," and the game is expected to be "flush with funds thanks to a billion-dollar broadcasting deal" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 6/27).