‘We just want this done’: Daly Cherry-Evans backs calls from PVL to settle the CBA, doesn’t rule out Dally M boycott

Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has welcomed calls from Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys who says he’s willing to thrash out the collective bargaining agreement with the Rugby League Players Association.

V’landys wants to meet with the RLPA board and is confident he can sort out the CBA once and for all within 48 hours if both parties can get in the same room.

The drawn-out negotiations have become ugly in recent weeks after the RLPA enacted a media boycott, with players banned from speaking with journalists on game days.

Cherry-Evans is the RLPA general president and responded positively when he was told what V’landys had said.

“That’s awesome to hear. I didn’t know that, but that’s fantastic news to hear such a big commitment from the NRL,” he said.

“As a player, we just want this done. I think everyone involved with this process just wants this done.

“It’s got to a bit of a stalemate, and hopefully this media boycott that we’ve been doing is making a bit of an impact. We just want to be heard and we just want it done, and it sounds like Pete is really keen to get to the table.”

The stalemate he mentioned has a lot to do with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and RLPA boss Clint Newtown not getting along, which is why a fresh set of eyes and the players’ opinion could help resolve the crisis.

“As a player that’s involved with the RLPA, one thing that’s trying to be done is splitting the players from the RLPA,” Cherry-Evans said.

“The players use the RLPA for their voice, so we’ve always been really clear on making sure that the RLPA’s voice is respected because it’s coming from the playing group.

“We don’t necessarily have to go to all the meetings because the RLPA has the best intentions of the players.

“Usually, we just leave it up to them, but if for whatever reason they want the players to be there, then I’ve got no idea why me or whoever else is involved wouldn’t do that.

“I feel like the hierarchy from both ends could both get it done.”

The stalled negotiations could get uglier with reports players are threatening to skip the finals launch, while they are also considering boycotting the Dally M Awards, 20 years after a similar course of action cost Craig Gower the top gong.

“It’s crazy that it’s even getting to that level,” Cherry-Evans said.

“The fact that it’s gone on for this long – I don’t know where (that story) comes from – but if some players feel that, then it probably shows the frustration that’s around the playing group at the moment.

“The fact that Pete has made a really big commitment to come to the table is a great step. That’s all we need. We just need people to make this deal happen soon so we can get back to a bit of normality.”

The media boycott means Cherry-Evans won’t get to speak after the game on Saturday night that doubles as his 300th in the NRL.

It robs the fans of the chance to hear from the Sea Eagles skipper, although he did thank Queensland supporters when he lifted the State of Origin shield after they wrapped up the series.

One of the things the ARLC and RLPA may discuss is the future of Origin scheduling, with plenty of calls for the series to be played over three consecutive Wednesdays to lessen the impact on the NRL competition.

“If we had to do it for the greater good of the game, then I’m sure players would consider it,” the Maroons skipper said.

“I just don’t know how that works logistically with the season stopping and broadcast rights and all those sorts of things that come into it. If that prolongs the season, then that’s a 30-week season, and then you’ve got finals.

“I don’t know how realistic that is, but I’ve seen our game do some crazy things before, so I wouldn’t say it’s a no.”