The Rugby League Players Association’s Men’s (MPAG) and Women’s Player Advisory Group (WPAG) met to review the strategic direction of the RLPA and provide their invaluable advice and feedback.
The MPAG members, who met separately to the WPAG, were also joined by past MPAG members Gavin Cooper and Dale Copley. The WPAG were joined by former WPAG members and past players Krystal Rota and Jasmin Allende.
With the RLPA’s remit expanded to past players and those in transition with the successful implementation of the RLPA’s Past Player & Transition Program, the past players provided necessary feedback and input to ensure the Program’s continued and effective growth for associate members.
The MPAG and WPAG reviewed and provided input into fundamental and essential areas of the RLPA’s strategic direction, including:
- enhancing player engagement and direction
- advancing player terms and conditions
- strengthening and sustaining the players’ association.
RLPA General Managers Jamie Buhrer (Player and Football Operations), Lina Caccamo (Strategy & Innovation) and Tom Symonds (Past Players and Transition) also attended the MPAG meeting.
“Following the historic joint-long form collective bargaining agreement negotiated in 2023, the RLPA has spent the past several months continuing to implement and enforce those rights, terms and conditions on behalf of our members, the players,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“Parallel to that the RLPA has been engaging in a critical strategic review that will help elevate and evolve the players’ future terms and conditions while also strengthening their representation and connection with past NRL and NRLW players and those in transition.”
Jamie Buhrer, who helps facilitates the MPAG in his General Manager role, praised the playing group for their ongoing commitment and efforts to advance and grow their association.
“The RLPA is a proud to have so many engaged and forward-thinking players and player leaders,” said Jamie Buhrer.
“The MPAG meeting once again proved how engaged our player leaders are, and their input and debate during the session will be valuable in informing our strategic direction.”
Lina Caccamo, who leads the RLPA’s strategic review, highlighted how important the MPAG and WPAG meetings were.
“The Men’s and Women’s PAG meetings were a crucial step in developing the RLPA’s strategic direction,” said Lina Caccamo, General Manager of Strategy and Innovation.
“The extensive review and consultation already completed has given us incredible insights ahead of the necessary phase of player consultation. Our next step is to take on board the feedback and suggestions from our PAGs and implement them so we can continue our blueprint of being truly player-led.”
