NRL stars will COVER the competition logo from their jerseys this weekend in dramatic twist as feud over new salary cap escalates

NRL stars’ civil war with rugby league bosses has taken another twist after players confirmed that they will cover the competition logo from their jerseys this weekend.

Delegates from player union the RLPA told teammates on Wednesday that they will escalate their battle with the NRL as a result of slow progress of negotiations over the new salary cap. 

Brisbane and Sydney Roosters will play each other on Thursday night and were of the protest plans late on Wednesday. 

The latest development comes three weeks after the RLPA announced a media boycott, which has had little impact on negotiations with the NRL. 

Chad Townsend and Nita Maynard – leading voices for the male and female cohorts – confirmed plans to cover the NRL logo in response to an alleged lack of respect from the governing body. 

‘We are escalating our action as a playing group because the NRL have shown a complete lack of respect by not agreeing to what is a very reasonable path forward in negotiations,’ Townsend said. 

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‘The NRL and NRLW players need our CBAs agreed as soon as possible, but we wont be dictated to by the Commission or NRL.’

Maynard added: ‘It’s Women in League Round, but NRLW players still don’t have a CBA. What does that say about the respect the NRL has for women playing rugby league?

‘That’s why all players will be covering the badge. We want protection and respect.’

According to News Corp, the NRL is reluctant to respond to the latest protest plans as they believe the RLPA is looking for a reaction that would further inflame the situation. 

The saga has been ongoing since late last year but tensions have heightened following the media boycott. 

The two parties remain at odds over several issues, including agreement rights in respect of the future direction of the game, control of player data, as well as the players’ desire for a mediator to be brought in to help resolve the stand-off. 

It is understood that former Nine boss Hugh Marks, as well as media executive Brett Clegg, were recruited at different times to help mediate talks, but both ended up walking away frustrated with the process. 

With time ticking, significant progress is needed as players have already discussed boycotting the Dally M awards night which would force the NRL to axe the shindig for only the second time ever.  

More to follow.