Players commit to Monday return but awaiting details before training

Players will return to club duty for Monday's biosecurity "education day" and RLPA CEO Clint Newton believes they will have a deal sorted with the NRL "in the next day or two".

Players are expected to begin training next week once they agree to the proposal from the NRL around their 2020 pay structure and working conditions.

RLPA delegates joined ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys in a phone hook-up on Friday, and V'landys was also confident the NRL's revised offer will be accepted.

Players reiterated their commitment to a May 28 restart date, but have held fire on returning to training as planned next Tuesday. Although that now looks likely to happen, according to Newton.

V'landys said he was not fussed if they did not return on Tuesday and was happy to give players "time to absorb" the strict biosecurity measures that come into place on Monday.

He also vowed to "provide better communication" to the game's 500-plus top flight players.

"The players were extremely cooperative and professional, I couldn't have asked more of them," he told NRL.com.

"It's been a bit of a miscommunication, they wanted clarity, there were no demands. It was a very co-operative meeting.

"What they did want was that after Monday's education day, they've asked for some time afterwards to absorb it all. Because the new rules are going to change the way they go about everything.

"By all means we need to give them that. If that means they begin training a bit later, so be it. But what is most important is that on the 28th of May they are fully, 100 per cent committed to getting the game started.

"They know the importance of that and are going to do everything possible to get us there."

Asked whether the details of a revised player pay structure were close to being finalised, V'landys said: "I think we've got it sorted. I'm confident that what we've put to them, they will be happy with and we'll progress from there."

The player pay negotiations come as talks with broadcasters Nine and Foxtel continue around TV revenue for the revised competition.

The RLPA has been pushing for more information from the NRL on several issues, including how strict new COVID-19 protocols will work and be enforced at each club and transparency of NRL revenue and how player payments are affected as a result.

Player concern also exists around clubs having enough time to implement biosecurity measures by next week.

Preparation for players to return to training facilities are in full swing across the game, with clubs sourcing everything from thermometers to hand sanitiser.

RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said more than 40 players were on the call with V'landys for their "really positive meeting".

"We've received further information, assurances and guarantees and now we're in a position that we've got something to take forward to the members and we should have everything resolved in the next day or so.

"Everything is positive, the players are coming back and by May 28 they'll be ready to go.

"Based on the information Peter worked through with the players this morning I think it's a deal that we're absolutely able to the players to consider and work through."

Newton said the players needed to digest the information about the changes to their "conditions and protocols". 

"Given the depth of the protocols for everyone, the players and clubs, just having time to work through that and making it clear of our obligations," he said.

"I don't think it's about players taking the day off, it's about giving them time to understand their obligations."