The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has called for a boycott of pre-game, post-game, and halftime interviews for players in all matches – including State of Origin.
Fox League and Channel Nine will also lose dressing room access during the boycott.
The boycott will not apply from Monday to Wednesday each week – with the exception of State of Origin – so players are able to continue existing relationships outside of the round being played.
The move is being called in order to try and force a change to the failed collective bargaining agreement process.
“After meeting with over 50 player leaders from all clubs last night, players unanimously decided that we must take action as a result of the NRL’s rejection of our settlement proposal and their unacceptable demands of players,” a statement from the RLPA reads.
“The unreasonable ultimatum of the ARL Commission and the NRL, and their refusal to continue to negotiate the CBA, has forced the players into action.
“Players have determined that the action to take is that all players will boycott the media from the first NRL, NRLW (including trials) or State of Origin match of every week to the last. This action will commence tomorrow Thursday July 6th.”
The media boycott will rule out:
• Pre-match interviews (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
• Half-time interviews (TV)
• Post-match interviews (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
• Post-match press conference
• Media opportunities in the dressing rooms (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
• Media opportunities in mixing zones (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
• Direct communication with media via a player’s mobile phone or social media
If a Player’s team is not scheduled to play that day, the boycott is still in effect and includes:
• External media opportunities organised by a players’ Club (TV, radio, print, NRL.com)
Any direct communication from media via a player’s mobile phone or social media
Players will take part in media during the boycott if:
• It is a Club-owned media commitment and specifically for the development of Club-owned content (e.g. website, social media for the players’ club).
• Where a player has a current, pre-existing, individual arrangement in place with a media outlet (radio/print/broadcast).
• From Monday to Wednesday each week (unless there is an Origin match, then it will be Monday to Tuesday), there will be no media boycott.