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AAP
AAP
Sport
George Clarke

NRL players agree to put CBA protests on hold

NRL players will not use this weekend's trial tournament to protest against League Central but have warned the governing body they will not hesitate to take action if there is any backtracking on collective bargaining agreement (CBA) progress.

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and the NRL had been in talks all week as both factions attempted to resolve the CBA stalemate that has cast a shadow over the pre-season.

Male players had suggested they would use this weekend's newly created trial tournament to protest against the NRL's protracted handling of the negotiations by covering jersey sponsors or delaying kick-off times.

Strike action was also on the cards, with the lack of an NRLW CBA a sticking point between the sides.

The RLPA delivered an ultimatum to the NRL earlier this week, saying they would take action if insufficient progress had been made by Thursday.

Discussions continued into Friday, and while no CBA has yet been agreed developments have led the RLPA to put protest plans on ice.

"Great progress was made on the women's CBA in negotiating meetings this week," the RLPA said in a statement.

"It is for this reason that players have chosen to put a hold on further activations but continue to be ready.

"We still require formal commitments from the NRL that genuine progress was made in key areas, with the priority on the women's CBA.

"Our game is for the fans, and players are fans themselves.

"If the progress made is walked back on, then players have no choice but to press forward."

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