Liam Farrell: Players want a voice in the conversation

Yesterday, many stars took to Twitter to post an identical message – ‘United we stand for a greater game’ – with a blue square to call for a greater say in the game’s decisions.

The GMB union also released a statement objecting to any plans to lower the £2.1m wage ceiling next year.

Farrell says the pandemic – and subsequent pay-cuts most have had to take – has led the players to want a bigger say in how the sport is run.

The 29-year-old, who is not on Twitter, said: “Since the season was halted and the lockdown, all players have started to talk more between all the clubs and we thought it would be a good time to make our voice known as a group.

“In the NRL, the player’s union have a big say in things that have gone on, it’s worked for them.

“It’s not just about the talk of the salary cap (being reduced), it’s everything.

“They’re already talking about when we’re starting back, when the season is going to end, how many midweek games there’ll be... all we want is a voice and to be a part of those discussions.”

The GMB says more than 80 per cent of top-flight players are now a part of the players’ union.

“This has been a long time coming and this is only the start and as players we need to buy into it,” added Farrell.

Each club has a representative, with Sean O’Loughlin acting on behalf of Wigan’s players.

The GMB held a consultation meeting with all 12 representatives in which they unanimously called for players to get a greater say in the way the sport is revived and called the RFL and the clubs not cut the current salary cap.

Garreth Carvell, the former Great Britain International, is the representative for the rugby league players’ association for the GMB.

He said: “We all want a return to rugby league as soon as possible and whilst we know there are huge obstacles to overcome, it’s vital that players can have their say on how we get there.

“We also know that fans and our communities support our call to the RFL and the clubs to give us our voice and say in how the rugby revival takes shape.

“With the imminent review of the salary cap, it’s the player’s wages that will be cut, and yet they don’t get a say.

“Players believe now, more than any time before, our input is vital. It can’t be right that the people playing the game are the only ones that don’t get a say.”

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