The Rugby League Players’ Association is proud to announce three players have joined the Women’s Player Advisory Group (PAG) ahead of the 2023 NRLW Season.
Kennedy Cherrington (Parramatta Eels), Madison Bartlett (Canberra Raiders), and Brydie Parker (Sydney Roosters) will become members of the PAG, adding to the knowledge and perspectives of the group’s current 12 players.
The PAG comprises a cross-section of the playing group, bringing together some of the game’s most knowledgeable and respected players to proactively discuss matters across International, NRLW, State of Origin, State Premierships, and other relevant areas.
Lina Caccamo, the RLPA’s General Manager of Elite Women and International Relations, praised the additions to the PAG and the work that the group has done to date.
“The RLPA is excited to welcome Kennedy, Madison and Brydie into the Player Advisory Group. Their valuable insights and perspectives will undoubtedly shape the future of the game.”
“The PAG is a platform for players to be heard and influence positive change in our game. We embrace the fresh perspectives that the new players bring to the table.”
“Empowering players is at the heart of our values, and we’re delighted to have talented new players join us, contributing to the ongoing improvements for players in the NRLW competition.”
In addition to the new players on the PAG, 15 new players have joined the RLPA as Delegates. These include Jada Taylor (Cronulla Sharks), Evania Pelite (Gold Coast Titans), Elsie Albert (Parramatta Eels), and Raecene McGregor (St George Illawarra Dragons).
On the eve of a new season, it is also a reminder that the NRLW competition is still the only major code in Australia without a collective bargaining agreement in place for its players. This is despite agreeing to financial terms and key policies in February this year that allowed NRLW players to sign interim contracts, a move the RLPA made in good faith to enable the competition to move forward.
However, on the eve of the commencement of the competition, the NRL has made significant changes to the NRLW Rules for NRLW players, including changes to integrity procedures which reduce protections for players, and a raft of changes to the NRLW Playing Contract and Remuneration Rules. These changes are challenging (if not impossible) to prevent without the protection of a complete and fully drafted CBA. It highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the players and the importance of getting a comprehensive agreement in place.
NRLW players deserve the right to and protections of a CBA, just like their NRL counterparts.
Without a full CBA these and many other terms and conditions are yet to be resolved, which would form the players’ entire terms and conditions. These include:
- Protections around player property use
- The consultation and dispute resolution processes
- Access to information (financial and research)
- Access to the Injury Hardship Fund
- Access to a new Past Player Medical Support
- Access to the General Hardship Fund
- International and domestic representative payments
- Access to a share of the above-forecast revenue
- Access to the Wellbeing & Education Program
- An Illicit Drug Policy
- Agent Accreditation
- Licensing program
- Player data collection and use
“It is clear that the women still do not have their complete terms and conditions in place. Yet they continue to perform their services in good faith,” said Ms Caccamo.
Women’s Player Advisory Group (PAG)
Ali Brigginshaw, Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Karina Brown, Kezie Apps, Simaima Taufa, Romy Teitzel, Kennedy Cherrington, Georgia Hale, Brydie Parker, Hannah Southwell, Tallisha Harden, Krystal Rota, Keeley Davis, Millie Boyle, and Madison Bartlett.
Women’s Delegates
Broncos: Ali Brigginshaw (PAG), Tazmin Gray, Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Director), Julia Robinson, Romy Teitzel (PAG)
Cowboys: Tallisha Harden (PAG), Jasmine Peters
Dragons: Bobbi Law, Raecene McGregor
Eels: Elsie Albert, Kennedy Cherrington (PAG), Abbi Church, Rachael Pearson, Shontelle Stowers
Knights: Yasmin Clydsdale, Shanice Parker, Hannah Southwell (Director)
Raiders: Madison Bartlett (PAG), Simaima Taufa, Zahara Temara
Roosters: Millie Boyle (PAG), Keeley Davis (PAG), Isabelle Kelly, Brydie Parker (PAG)
Sharks: Tiana Penitani, Jada Taylor, Emma Tonegato, Holli Wheeler
Tigers: Kezie Apps (PAG), Bo Vette-Welsh, Jakiya Whitfeld
Titans: Karina Brown (PAG), Lauren Brown, Jessika Elliston, Georgia Hale, Evania Pelite
