Game's biggest stars embrace new leadership role
They are already leaders on the field, now some of the game’s biggest superstars have been given an opportunity to represent the interests of their peers and shape the future of the game.
In a bid to proactively deal with the NRL’s biggest issues, the Rugby League Players’ Association has selected 11 members to comprise its Player Advisory Group (PAG). Following the RLPA’s annual general meeting on Monday, Cooper Cronk, Daly Cherry-Evans, Wade Graham, James Graham, Blake Green, Christian Welch, Jamie Buhrer, Dale Copley, Sia Soliola, Chris Lawrence and Sam Tagataese have been appointed to the PAG to help represent the interests of the wider playing group.
In their first meeting, they grappled with a raft of issues including the game’s response to the spate of off-field incidents that have tarnished the NRL’s brand during the off-season. The group will meet four to six times a year and their feedback will help inform the union’s stance on key issues.
“We’re the ones living and breathing life as professional footballers 24/7 these days and we actually think a lot about where the game is at – that came through in listening to the boys,” said Manly skipper Cherry-Evans.
“As players, we’ve got a lot of confidence in the RLPA to protect us, but this takes the engagement with players to another level and gets us even more actively involved.”
Cronulla captain Wade Graham added: “Forming groups like these allows us to truly take ownership of our association and help drive positive outcomes in the game.
“As long as we all continue to buy-in to this group, I definitely think it’s going to have a massive impact.”
This takes the engagement with players to another level and gets us even more actively involved.
Daly Cherry-Evans
The RLPA intends to set up a similar group to represent the interests of female players. RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said it was a chance to identify future leaders of the association and the game.
“The first meeting was insightful in terms of how much the players care about the game and the depth of thinking that they now have,” Prendergast said.
“They are keen to work with the NRL and the clubs to help better protect the game in the future, particularly given where we’re at and the pressure it’s under based on the incidents occurred over the off-season.
“If I was an existing partner or someone looking to potentially invest in rugby league, I would take a lot of heart from the calibre of players that have put their hand up to be in this group.”
The PAG will work with the existing club delegate structure and the RLPA board to give the players a voice on all the key issues.
“There’s obviously been a lot of press around the recent off-field issues, so we spent some time on that and believe the RLPA are on the right track strategically,” said Warriors playmaker Blake Green.
Broncos forward Sam Tagataese believes it was an invaluable chance to discuss ideas outside of a traditional club setting.
“I see this as an opportunity to develop the group as leaders, voice our opinions and discuss issues on how we can improve our game, on and off the field, forming strategic plans and decisions for the betterment of the game,” Tagataese said.
Raiders forward Sia Soliola added: “It was interesting to hear the opinions from other players about the big issues that we wouldn’t normally discuss at club level.
“As players we get so focused on our roles and duties within the club – especially in-season – that we tend to be less engaged in the major issues facing the sport, so this initiative will help change that.”