Players oppose salary cap cut - union says

Pressure is mounting for players to have a greater say in the way rugby league is run.
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In his Yorkshire Evening Post column last week, Leeds Rhinos half-back Luke Gale called for players to be given a “voice” in discussions over how the sport will resume following the coronavirus shutdown.

Now the GMB union, which represents rugby league players, has urged the Rugby Football League (RFL) to ensure the men on the field are consulted on the current review of the salary cap.

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Half the 12 Betfred Super League clubs, including Leeds Rhinos, are believed to be calling for the cap to be reduced from £2.1m next season, with the others opposed or undecided.

Garreth Carvell. Picture by Steve Riding.Garreth Carvell. Picture by Steve Riding.
Garreth Carvell. Picture by Steve Riding.

Gareth Carvell, a former Leeds Rhinos forward who is the GMB’s Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) representative, said: “We all want a return to rugby league as soon as possible and, while we know there are huge obstacles to overcome, it’s vital players can have their say on how we get there.”

Carvell added: “We also know fans and our communities support our call to the RFL and the clubs to give us our voice and say in how the rugby revival takes shape.

“With the imminent review of the salary cap, it’s the player’s wages that will be cut and yet they don’t get a say.

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“Players believe now, more than any time before, our input is vital.

Garreth Carvell played for Hull against St Helens in the 2006 Super League Grand Final. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Garreth Carvell played for Hull against St Helens in the 2006 Super League Grand Final. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Garreth Carvell played for Hull against St Helens in the 2006 Super League Grand Final. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

“It can’t be right that the people playing the game are the only ones that don’t get a say.”

The GMB held a consultation meeting with player representatives from all Super League clubs this week.

The meeting unanimously called for players to get a greater say in the way the sport is revived and called on the RFL and the clubs not to cut the current spending limit.

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GMB senior organiser Peter Davies said: “No one denies clubs are going to have to cut their cloth, especially if we have to play the season out in closed stadiums.

“We’ve made it clear that GMB and our RLPA members will work with them to safeguard the game, but players have been clear - they oppose any cut to the salary cap and see that as a restriction in itself to the development and revival of the sport.”

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