The NRL have announced that they are committed to developing a new player insurance scheme that will be aimed at protecting players who suffer career-ending injuries.
The move comes after concerns were raised, notably by Fairfax’s Danny Weidler and Peter Fitzsimons, about the lack of welfare and insurance schemes for NRL players.
NSW Blues assistant coach and NRL legend Brad Fittler famously said that the person serving sausages out the front of the stadium has more protection than the players battering into each other on the field.
NRL players will be eligible to claim sums of up to $1 million if they suffer a career-ending injury under an interim policy that is currently being discussed by players.
The policy would operate until March 2015, after which time a new arrangement would be instated that covers the whole game.
The NRL says that the Rugby League Players’ Association, the clubs and the executive body have been working on the policy, which is currently being reviewed by the RLPA.
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson says the clubs support the proposal put to the players.
“The clubs and the NRL recognise the importance of the improved insurance arrangements and support the proposal that was put to the Players Association for their members’ review,” Richardson said.
Concerns have been raised over the past couple of weeks after the outpouring support for injured Knights player Alex McKinnon, who had incredible support through the Rise for Alex Round last weekend.
Other player who slipped through the cracks have been highlighted in the media, who have led a call for extra protection for participants in such a taxing sport.
The proposed scheme “tops up” the insurance arrangements in place to double the payout for total and permanent disability injuries from $500,000 to $1 million.
That sum will be paid out to “the most serious injuries including paraplegia, quadriplegia, loss of sight and the loss of the use of a limb which end a player’s career.”
NRL CEO Dave Smith believes the move is a significant step forward for the game.
“Everyone in the game has been working together over a long period to develop an insurance scheme which looks after the welfare of our players,” Mr Smith said.
“Obviously players will always be able to take their own insurance to protect their income in the event of a serious injury.
“But it is also important that the game has its own scheme and the players, clubs and NRL are working towards that.”
The NRL also announced it is working on a “whole of game Foundation” to assis players who suffer catastrophic injuries.
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