Australia’s top rugby league players could see their wages grow by up to 50 per cent under a new pay deal worth $1 billion.
After months of negotiations the NRL’s latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is reportedly close to being signed-off, ending any chance of bitter strike action.
But despite as recently as Friday announcing the deal didn’t meet their demands, it’s believed the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) could agree to give the NRL’s stars a wage boost as soon as Monday, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Australia’s top rugby league players could see their wages grow by 50 per cent under a new pay deal that will be worth up to $1 billion
The NRL’s latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is reportedly close to being signed-off with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) potentially signing the deal on Monday
If the RLPA signs off on the $1 billion deal it will see the NRL’s minimum wage rise to $120,000 – the highest in Australian sport.
Under the deal, the average salary among NRL players will grow from $280,000 up to $340,000 at the end of five years.
Female stars will also benefit with a total of $3.75 million allocated for their wages in the coming five years.
While it led to a bitter dispute in Australian cricket, the NRL’s proposed revenue share model is expected to be agreed upon by the RLPA.
According to NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, the enormity of the deal may unite the code like never before in history.
‘This deal has the potential to unite the game like never before,’ Mr Greenberg said.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg (pictured) believes the enormity of the deal may unite the code like never before in history
Female stars will also benefit from the $1b deal with a total of $3.75 million allocated for their wages in the coming five years
‘I say that because we have made the players genuine partners in the game.
‘For the first time they will have a fixed share of income — and they will share in any upside we enjoy in the future.’
An annual Injury Hardship Fund of some $3 million to players who suffer career-ending injuries and will be determined by the players themselves.
The proposed deal will be presented to players from all 16 clubs via video link on Monday, with the NRL hopeful it can be agreed upon before a threatened strike.