England captain Jamie Peacock is to play a key role in a new union formed to represent the views of Super League players.
St Helens and England forward Jon Wilkin appointed chairman
England captain Jamie Peacock is to play a key role in a new union formed to represent the views of Super League players.
Peacock is on the management committee of 1eagu3, a Super League Players Association similar to ones that exist in football, rugby union, cricket and golf.
Although the GMB trade union has represented rugby league players for years, the new body, which will be launched in Manchester on January 23, say they have membership applications from 75% of professional players from the 14 Super League teams.
St Helens and England forward Jon Wilkin has been appointed chairman and will be joined on the management committee by Peacock, Warrington's former Wales captain Lee Briers, chief executive Ernie Benbow and non-executive director Mike Denning.
Former Wigan and Widnes forward Terry O'Connor will assist the committee in his role as player ambassador.
The organisation pledges to:
:: effectively represent the players both inside and outside the sport;
:: protect, advance and enrich each and every member, regardless of club affiliation;
:: enshrine the democratic right of 1eagu3 though the engagement of all players;
:: ensure that players have the opportunity to play their part in the advancement of their profession and sport working in partnership with other key stakeholder partners.
Voice
Wilkin, also an ambassador for the RFL, said: "I want to ensure that the voice of every player is heard when decisions are made that affect our profession, whether it concerns the playing rules, the disciplinary process or the salary cap.
"I am happy to lead the players of Super League forward as a collective group, something that has not been achieved before in this sport."
Peacock, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List, said: "As a player, I am grateful for the unique opportunities that rugby league has afforded me and, as I approach the end of my career, I want to ensure that those same opportunities are protected for this generation and future generations "I believe that 1eagu3 will achieve that."
Benbow, one of the founders of the State of Mind programme formed last year to raise awareness of mental fitness, said: "There is clearly an appetite for greater representation from within the sport itself.
"The players within Super League have been the catalyst for 1eagu3 and we have now been given a mandate by those who have become members to represent them.
"We will strive to ensure that their voice is represented to the fullest."
