Rugby league: NRL announces rescue package for clubs

NRL clubs will get approximately $AU2.5 million ($NZ2.54m) to survive during the suspended season.

On Monday, the ARL Commission guaranteed three months' funding for clubs, after another emergency meeting to discuss the worst-case scenario.

That includes two months' pay for the players under a proposed 75 percent pay cut, should the entire season be wiped out.

The Rugby League Players Association was expected to present the plan to players through club delegates on Monday afternoon, before making a response.

Last week, the governing body informed clubs that it had enough funds to pay their monthly club grants of $AU1.2m ($NZ1.52m) for the next three months.

But after meetings with the RLPA last week, it is understood players will get two months' pay to last the next seven months.

A quarter of the players' pay will come from the game's injury-hardship fund, while a tiered pay cut is expected to protect minimum-wage players.

That leaves the clubs with just $AU2.5m ($NZ2.54m) each to survive, although another, smaller, one-off payment is expected in July.

The figures emerge, after revelations head office is expected to make drastic cuts of its own, following a reported $AU76m ($NZ77.4m) in running costs so far this year.

The NRL still hopes the competition can resume after July, which would allow broadcasters to also recommence their monthly instalments.

AAP