Ongoing disputes regarding the collective bargaining agreement have dominated NRL headlines in recent weeks, but the situation is even more dire for the women in the NRLW — who are being hit hardest by the lack of a CBA.
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and the NRL are seemingly in a stalemate regarding the agreement — which seeks to obtain a new medical support fund, better terms for the most vulnerable players, an improved injury hardship fund and a first ever CBA for the NRLW, among other demands.
In a display of solidarity between the men’s and women’s games, players are fighting for CBAs in tandem to ensure the women aren’t left behind in all of this. But while there are very serious issues that demand attention in the men’s agreement, it is the women who stand to lose the most from the CBA’s absence.
The lack of a CBA leaves NRLW players uninsured and unclear about the salary cap, start date and length of their upcoming season. And with the Women’s All Stars right around the corner, we are already starting to see the real world impacts of the crisis come to life.
Tamika Upton has already withdrawn from the All Stars game
Newcastle Knights premiership-winning fullback Tamika Upton was the first NRLW player to formally withdraw from the match — scheduled for February 11 — explaining that while it was a devastating call to make, she ultimately couldn’t take the risk.
“Representing my family and my community means everything to me so having to withdraw has been very upsetting,” said Upton in an interview with CODE Sports.
“The All Stars is such an incredible week, but training and playing with uncertainty around private health insurance and when no NRLW contracts are in place puts everyone’s futures at risk.
“I had a long talk with (coach) Ben Jeffries who understands and was very supportive. He is coaching the Cowboys’ NRLW team this year so knows the situation we are all in.
“It’s disappointing and very frustrating, but hopefully I’ll be back next year.”
Upton is not the only player to raise concerns
While the Knights fullback is the first player to pull out of the upcoming match, she’s not the first to raise concerns and likely won’t be the only player to make the devastating call.
Parramatta Eels prop Kennedy Cherrington has also been vocal about the danger posed to players who are forced to train without insurance.
No private health insurance = no play. We must cover ourselves as athletes. That’s the reality of being an NRLW player at the moment. Frustrating that 22 DAYS OUT from the game we are still stressing over this rather than focusing on the celebration of our 2 cultures 🥲 https://t.co/8wn9nUJF3g
— KENNEDY CHERRINGTON (@kcherrington99) January 18, 2023
Players are already getting injured
Upton’s decision comes amid the fact that all players in the NRLW are currently out of contract and — therefore — without insurance to protect themselves should they sustain injuries on the field, or in training.
Two players — including one of the league’s biggest names — have reportedly already sustained knee injuries during pre-season this year.
While the high-profile player is yet to be publicly identified, CODE Sports reports she suffered an MCL injury that could see her ruled out for up to three months.
✊ U N I T E D ✊#RLPA #CBA #NRL #NRLW pic.twitter.com/y3IdDHh6v6
— RLPA (@RLPlayers) January 17, 2023
And sadly, this is the stark reality for NRLW players — many of whom are playing in state leagues like the NSWRLW to maintain fitness while awaiting the concrete details on when the national competition will start, despite the injury risk that comes along with this.
Considering they’re working on single-season contracts, a player could be not only risking their upcoming season by sustaining an injury, but their career in the long-term.
It’s not just the injury risk that the RLPA is fighting for
In addition to providing players with health insurance, an adequate CBA will also ensure players know the finer details of their season including start dates, season lengths, salary caps and what happens to players who fall pregnant during the season.
“A CBA for women would provide the contract security players need and the full terms and conditions that would help protect them and their families. A CBA would give the game the best opportunity to attract and retain our talent,” the RLPA wrote in a statement.