60% of players train after suspected head knocks, RLPA poll reveals

One male player reported suffering four suspected concussions in training over a 12-month period, while a female player reported suffering three concussions. The rate of suspected concussion during training increased to 27 percent (five percent increase) for men and nine percent (two percent increase) for women.

Players also reported being pressured to continue training despite having a suspected concussion; This rate was 38 percent for men and 28 percent for women. Also concerning was that 40 percent of men and 37 percent of women reported returning to education without taking medical leave.

“Unless we make the necessary improvements, it will remain a blind spot that is detrimental to the safety of our players and the game in general,” Newton said.

The NRL has invested heavily in the Pacific and this was also highlighted by the decision to field a PNG team in 2028. New Zealand’s victory in the Pacific Championship has also captured the imagination of fans ahead of next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

These developments are timely, given that for the first time in history players with Pacifica heritage make up the majority of NRL talent.

“We are incredibly proud of the rich tapestry of cultures that play our game and how strongly our players connect with their families and communities,” Newton said.

“It’s a very unique situation in Australian sport. Our region is deeply diverse with many nationalities and we’re delighted to be celebrating the success that rugby league has brought.”

Despite cultural change, racism and targeted abuse remain a problem; While 13 percent of men experienced targeted harassment, 7 percent experienced racism. This works out to around six players per club. Most abuse happens online, and 87 percent of men choose not to report it.

The biggest names in the NRL earn close to $1.5 million per season under the salary cap plus turnover. There is a perception that all rugby league players are well paid, given that the average salary is close to $400,000. But in careers where 18 percent played 100 or more games, 51 percent earned less than the average male salary.

While 96 per cent of players have signed a player manager, more than 50 per cent of NRL and NRLW players report their manager has never signed a sponsorship deal for them.

“Agencies collectively charge players over $15 million a year – more than the salary cap of any NRL club,” Newton said.

“In a salary-capped league where player earnings are limited, commercial and sponsorship endorsements need to improve significantly. These results suggest there are not enough agents focusing on growing player brands through sponsorship deals, instead taking easy money from NRL and NRLW contracts.”

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“We view a manager’s responsibility as much more holistic when it comes to serving his players and generating additional revenue from the player’s IP. Many fans assume that all players increase their salaries with endorsements, but that is not the case; most players either try to do this themselves or do not do it at all.”

While 80 per cent of the general population cited money as the main reason for changing jobs, this was the case for only 21 per cent of NRL players switching clubs (11 per cent of NRLW players). Twenty-one per cent of NRL players revealed they were substituted because they were hit in the shoulder.

As women’s football moves towards professionalism, the survey found NRLW players continue to rely on external income; 89 percent work during the off-season, and 87 percent are busy with obligations such as work and education while playing during the season.