Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has backed in the NRL players' boycott ahead of their clash with Gold Coast, citing "genuine grievances" with the deal they've been offered in collective bargaining agreement talks.
NRL players have begun skipping media commitments on match days as the RLPA demands the game's administrators meet with them and an industrial relations mediator, and legendary rugby league figure Bennett was quick to point out their actions "aren't about greed".
The players are not asking for any more money but are concerned about clauses within the pay deal, including the NRL's ability to lengthen the season without their approval.
Bennett accepted the players had to take some form of action to try and press forward negotiations.
"It's not what we all would like but I think there's a couple of good things out of it, they're not talking about money and they're obviously satisfied with that, we're not talking about going on strike, which I think is terribly important," he said.
"But I suppose they're in a situation where they can't negotiate on their points, and they've got to try and bring it to a conclusion by going outside the norm.
"Some of the points they made, they're pretty valid ... the decision with the NRL having them play more games for the season, that's the last thing these players need right now, to play more.
"We're managing the loads but the game's as hard and as fast and as tough as ever been.
"There's some genuine grievances there. I think they can be worked out but at the moment neither party is prepared to give much."
Those negotiations will be pushed to one side when the Dolphins tackle the Titans, Bennett confirming hooker Jeremy Marshall-King won't play with his shoulder injury and could yet miss the rest of the season.
Both sides are less than full strength with State of Origin absentees, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow missing for the Dolphins while Gold Coast won't have Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, David Fifita, AJ Brimson or Moeaki Fotuaika.
Having taken the challenge up to Brisbane last weekend, Bennett saw signs his side could snap their six-game losing streak.
"Our last one-and-a-half games have been getting back to where we need to get back to," he said.
"We certainly matched it with the Broncos the other night without executing real well so if we can keep the effort going and pick up on execution we're a chance."
