NRL Receives Club Backup

Club bosses have unanimously backed the actions of the National Rugby League in relation to negotiations with the Rugby League Professionals Association (RLPA).

Talks between the NRL and RLPA broke down last week after the parties failed to reach agreement on six crucial issues identified by the players.

The NRL subsequently cancelled the prestigious Dally M Awards

night after the RLPA and the players threatened to boycott the ceremony.

That decision won wholesale support at a meeting of the 15 club chief executives on Tuesday.

The club bosses said the NRL was left in no choice but to cancel the awards night in the light of the threatened player boycott.

They also made a resolution which stated: "That today's meeting fully supports the actions of the NRL and does not see the boycott of the Dally Ms as appropriate or reasonable given the significant progress that had been made.

"That the clubs unanimously agree all parties should continue negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement.

"That the RLPA should table a complete document outlining detailed proposals on all issues before such negotiations resume.

"That the RLPA should recognise the need to ensure all players fully understand the issues in question and the need for any collective bargaining agreement to include concessions from all parties."

The meeting also highlighted the need for all concerned to allow the NRL finals and events to continue without interruption.

The RLPA and the players have made it clear they have no plans to interrupt the finals series with strike action.