The National Rugby League and the Rugby League Players' Association have taken a united first step in resolving the issue of the financial impact of the current season suspension will have on players.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and RLPA CEO Clint Newton met today, together with a group of senior players and Club executives, to begin talks regarding the players' share in the decreased revenue while the competition is suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis.
In a strong show of unity, both Mr Greenberg and Mr Newton described the morning's two-hour talks as "aligned, productive and collaborative".
Mr Greenberg said: "The conversations we started today are intended to resolve as quickly as possible what the current no-games situation means for players. We are trying to map out what is next in unbelievably difficult circumstances.
"To do this, we need to be transparent and honest, combined with the trust and confidence of the players. This means we will have hard conversations now, for the future good of the game. The NRL and the players are absolutely aligned in our desire to ensure the game gets through this crisis."
The RLPA's Mr Newton agreed the talks were productive and said he was committed to protecting the well-being of players and the game.