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'We've been left out of the loop': Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty vents frustration as coronavirus pay cut talks lag

By Online Editors
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Melbourne Rebels captain Dane Haylett-Petty has pointed to a rival code for their handling of the coronavirus-enforced cost cutting as talks between players and Rugby Australia (RA) go in circles.

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In a week RA announced a $9.4 million 2019 loss, the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) has held firm on its request for the organisation to reveal a clearer financial picture before negotiations can continue.

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So far RA have refused to do so, arguing they have done enough to satisfy what’s needed for decisions around player pay cuts to be made.

Haylett-Petty said he was frustrated and disappointed with the stalemate.

“We care about the game as much as anyone else,” the Rebels and Wallabies outside back told AAP.

“We’ve been left out of the loop and left out of the decision making process to date … hopefully that’s changing and we’ll know a bit more in the next week.

“I felt like the AFL the very next day went straight to their players to sit down and talk about where they are at and how we’re going to fix it … (for rugby) it’s been probably over a month now.

“The players want what’s best for the game and the whole game from grass roots up to the international level.

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“We are only one of the stakeholders but we feel like we can add a lot of value in the process.”

Under pressure RA chief executive Raelene Castle will take a 50 percent pay cut, her executive will lose 30 per cent of their wage and 75 percent of their staff have been stood down without pay for three months.

But former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is among those backing RUPA boss Justin Harrison’s call for more transparency, he also challenged Castle to follow NRL counterpart Todd Greenberg’s lead and take the same cut as the players.

Harrison said on Friday they wouldn’t be able to resume “open and honest negotiations” without a clearer picture of RA’s finances.

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“Our players approach this long-term transformation with a collegiate and team approach and with an acknowledgement the game has to change,” Harrison said.

“We see no reasons why RA refuses to engage, despite the provision of protection under a non-disclosure agreement.

“At a time when governing bodies in the other major football codes have been open and transparent with their players RA continues to refuse our requests.”

– AAP

In other news:

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Trevor 16 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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