Attempts to relaunch the NRL season have hit another roadblock, with players apparently threatening to boycott training next week.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports senior players, including Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith, conducted an emotion-charged phone conference on Wednesday night, resolving to back the NZ Warriors over their uncertain future in the revamped competition.
The Warriors have refused to board their Sunday flight to Australia unless remuneration details have been finalised.
This development comes, as the NRL and television networks continue to debate broadcast revenues for the revised season, suspended by the coronavirus outbreak last month
As it stands, the Warriors would self-isolate in Tamworth, before joining rival teams to prepare for the May 28 restart, but they still haven't received an official exemption to enter the country.
Earlier this week, ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys promised the Warriors would receive the information requested on Sunday - just hours before they flew out.
"It's all going to plan," V'landys said. "We just hope the state government gives us favourable consideration.
"We'll get that other information that the Warriors needed to them, so we can get them out here on Sunday."
The SMH report suggests discussions between the players' union and the NRL have been "productive", and both parties are still committed to next months' return to action.
