NRL agrees new pay deal with players to enable 28th May competition restart

Speculation that players might derail the NRL's plans to restart its season on 28th May, has ended players to resume training tomorrow after agreeing to a new pay deal.

The NRL and the Rugby League Players' Association has today agreed that players will be guaranteed 80% of their contracted payment for the 2020 season.

In a statement announcing the agreement, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys advised "we said from the start we are all in this together and our players have proved that.

"Many of them are making significant sacrifices for the competition to restart and that is not lost on anyone.".

V'landys said he remained confident the NRL competition was on track to start in three weeks, adding "it is full steam ahead for the resumption of the competition on May 28. All eyes will be on the NRL as the only live sport on television.

"There will never have been more interest in rugby league than on May 28."

Acknowledging the rapidity with which the deal was struck, Rugby League Players' Association Chief Executive, Clint Newton added "we worked through arguably the fastest and most collaborative process in the game's history to secure clarity and clear direction for the industry and our members.

"We set a new standard, which should become the hallmark for our industry, which will give us the best chance to build a more sustainable and solid foundation for the game's future."

NRL clubs are currently limited to have their players train in groups of 10, but are expected to be allowed to resume full squad training next week.

While in quarantine, the New Zealand Warriors have reportedly commenced training in Tamworth as of today while the Melbourne Storm are seeking final approval establish a training base in Albury.

Commenting on the clubs’ relocation, V'landys stated “the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm have had to leave their homes and their families and on behalf of all rugby league fans we thank them for that and we thank all players who will be living with stronger restrictions than current government health orders.

Image: NRL club captains at the 2020 launch. Courtesy of the NRL.