The National Rugby League has given the Rugby League Players Association five days to explain its objection to a requirement for players and agents to swear that they are being truthful in disclosing all payments in their playing contract.
“We have been very public this year in outlining the need to make people more accountable in terms of the contract payments that are submitted,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“The final drafting of that has made it clear that the players and the agents should each declare that the contract they submit represents everything that is being paid.
“It is entirely consistent with the fundamental obligation that already exists in the contract. It seeks to protect players and agents from any innuendo around their knowledge of salary cap cheating.
“The RLPA can’t seriously be saying that players are prepared to sign a contract which promises the terms are accurate but that they won’t sign a declaration that swears the same thing.
“Technically, the RLPA is entitled to have been made aware of any change to the rules but the extent to which this is a change of any substance is debatable.
“That said, we will suspend the use of the clause for seven days so the RLPA can make submissions regarding the change.
“David Garnsey’s own letter to the NRL concedes that greater accountability may well be warranted but he has chosen to issue an emotional press release rather than look at the substance of the issue.
“That said, we will await their response as, contrary to what has been alleged, we have gone to some lengths to consult the Players Association throughout the current Salary Cap review.
“We have been very public this year in outlining the need to make people more accountable in terms of the contract payments that are submitted,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“The final drafting of that has made it clear that the players and the agents should each declare that the contract they submit represents everything that is being paid.
“It is entirely consistent with the fundamental obligation that already exists in the contract. It seeks to protect players and agents from any innuendo around their knowledge of salary cap cheating.
“The RLPA can’t seriously be saying that players are prepared to sign a contract which promises the terms are accurate but that they won’t sign a declaration that swears the same thing.
“Technically, the RLPA is entitled to have been made aware of any change to the rules but the extent to which this is a change of any substance is debatable.
“That said, we will suspend the use of the clause for seven days so the RLPA can make submissions regarding the change.
“David Garnsey’s own letter to the NRL concedes that greater accountability may well be warranted but he has chosen to issue an emotional press release rather than look at the substance of the issue.
“That said, we will await their response as, contrary to what has been alleged, we have gone to some lengths to consult the Players Association throughout the current Salary Cap review.
