RL chiefs refusing to rule out prospect of player walkout over new sanctions
RUGBY league chiefs admit they are not complacent about the thought of players going on strike because of the disciplinary crackdown.
But SunSport understands the S word was not even mentioned during a three-and-a-half hour summit.
Stars from each Super League club sat down with the Rugby Football League’s head of operations and legal Rob Hicks and others on Wednesday after new rules caused chaos.
And the notion of them walking out in protest at the new guidelines they are under, particularly regarding contact with the head, is not being dismissed.
Hicks said: “We’re not complacent about that not happening. I don’t think it’s a surprise that people are talking about it.
“But the players’ meeting was positive and constructive. They articulated themselves fantastically well.
“What we all agreed on was that players are a massive part of the decision-making process going forward and that they have representation.”
The disciplinary furore has sparked calls for players to get together and make their union much stronger.
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But Hicks told them he would welcome them getting their act together after previous attempts flopped.
He added: “It’s ultimately a decision for the players. They need to have proper representation and feel they’re getting that going forward.
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“They also need to be engaged in the process but from my perspective and the RFL’s, we want a properly-engaged playing group that feels it is represented in the decisions that ultimately affect the sport.
“Without the players, we’re not in a position to do anything.”
