NRL players will take a further step in their bid for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with the league's official logo set to be covered up for all Round 22 fixtures.
With the game day media boycott entering its fourth weekend, the RLPA have now taken the next step in their protest against the league's powerbrokers.
The media ban in recent weeks has not led to any resolutions in the CBA negotiations, with the likes of Andrew Abdo and Clint Newton still at war.
As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, players across all eight games will tape over the logo, which has both the "NRL" letters and Telstra Premiership trophy.
MORE: Bulldogs boss Phil Gould shuts down Raymond Faitala-Mariner rumours
Why are NRL players covering up the logo?
In a bid to force the NRL into reaching a new CBA, players will now extend their protest to the field and physically cover up the competition's official logo.
Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend and Knights hooker Nita Maynard both confirmed the latest stance on behalf of the RLPA on Wednesday night.
We want protection and respect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UH80ewN7sK
— RLPA (@RLPlayers) July 26, 2023
The NRL and NRLW players need CBAs agreed as soon as possible, but we wont be dictated to by the Commission or NRL.#CBA #RLPA #NRLW #NRL pic.twitter.com/tH88VQinm5
— RLPA (@RLPlayers) July 26, 2023
RLPA executive Tom Symonds also confirmed players could boycott the Dally M Medal ceremony, while strike action is yet to be ruled out if an agreement is not made soon.
What are the RLPA demands to the NRL?
At this stage, there are 10 main demands from the RLPA ahead of the next CBA.
We need a joint-CBA that protects and respects our NRLW and NRL players.
— RLPA (@RLPlayers) July 26, 2023
Read our FAQs on the key issues 👇https://t.co/kJkE4pQIYU pic.twitter.com/T799uvXEpX
For a full list of disputes on behalf of the RLPA, click here.
