The pay dispute involving the National Rugby League, Rugby League Players Association and clubs "shows no signs of abating, despite the stakeholders completing two days of high-powered negotiations on Tuesday," according to Encarnacion & Bailey of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. It was the first time all three parties came together since the RLPA responded last month to the governing body's initial offer on next year's salary cap. They released a joint statement describing this week's talks as "constructive." Negotiations included NRL players James Maloney, James Graham and Chad Townsend. RLPA CEO Ian Prendergast said, "The RLPA welcomed the information and remains committed to ensuring players receive a fair outcome out of the negotiations." NRL COO Nick Weeks said that while the two-day meeting was "crucial in taking steps forward," he admitted a collective bargaining agreement was "far from being agreed." Weeks: "All parties are treating the negotiations seriously and respectfully and we look forward to making further progress in the weeks ahead" (SMH, 6/6).
NO STRIKE TALK: The AAP reported RLPA board member Jeremy Latimore said that the union has "yet to discuss possible NRL strike action." But he admitted it is "not out of the question." Latimore said, "It hasn't been spoken about as yet. It wouldn't be a great look. I hope it doesn't get to that. And I don't think it will as long as the NRL are on board" (AAP, 6/6).
REFORM GROUP: In Sydney, Adrian Proszenko reported Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant met with club representatives on Tuesday in an "attempt to repair severed relations" and reassure the 16 teams the NRL's "cash crisis" will not result in them missing out on the funds promised in December. Grant will face club "powerbrokers" at a meeting on June 15. He is "under pressure on several fronts, ranging from disenchanted club bosses through to an agitated players' union that feels his administration has blown its budget and is making its members pay." There is a "new threat" via the formation of the "NRL Reform Group," a collective of former players seeking Grant's resignation in the belief the independent commission "has failed to deliver since its inception" (SMH, 6/6).
