Strike action still an option as NRL talks continue

The players' union has hosed down talk of a pay deal close to being done with the NRL, with Penrith star Nathan Cleary warning strike action is still possible.

NATHAN CLEARY.
NATHAN CLEARY. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Nathan Cleary has warned strike action remains on the table as the dispute between NRL players and the governing body continues.

Players will wait until as late as Friday to decide whether to take industrial action in this weekend's trials, with meetings between the parties continuing.

Significant progress was made this week when the financial terms for the women's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was finalised and the season structure set.

But the Rugby League Players' Association moved fast on Thursday to hose down a report an offer tabled by the NRL in December would be enough to get the game-wide CBA done.

That is still not settled.

AAP has been told while the union is willing to accept the NRL's total $1.347 billion financial offer, it remains unhappy with the lack of control it has over the included $113 million in funds for programs and benefits.

The union is still calling for rights on matters such as the size of player fines and season structure.

Players also want to assess if enough progress has been made before deciding whether to take action in pre-season challenge matches this weekend by delaying kick offs and covering NRL logos.

"It was really good to see the women's CBA sorted out. They were obviously in a tough position where they didn't have one, so to get that all done is really positive," Cleary, a delegate at Penrith, said.

"We're hoping we can get ours done soon.

"We're prepared to sit out games. It's obviously not something we want to do (because) it's robbing the fans of what they want to see.

"In saying that, it's something we're prepared to do to get our fair share."

Asked if he still hoped the deal could be done before the start of the season in a fortnight, the Kangaroos halfback said: "I think it will be.

"I don't think anyone from our side or the NRL's side wants there to be no games so hopefully we can come to an agreement.

"In saying that, we're not just going to roll over and fall down to what the NRL wants."

In a statement on Thursday, the RLPA claimed the publication of the NRL's offer did not help any deal being finalised.

"There is still much more work to do as we continue to negotiate a joint CBA for NRLW and NRL players which captures all their terms and conditions," the statement said.

"We will continue to negotiate on key areas important to players, including RLPA autonomy and agreement rights on core terms and conditions.

"The RLPA's counter-proposal, which does not request any additional money from the ARL Commission, is still before the NRL and is capable of acceptance."