The Australian women's rugby league team will be paid at the same rate as the men's side at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, with each of the 24 squad members taking home a minimum of $30,000.
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As recently as last week, the Jillaroos were unsure how much they would be paid for the tournament despite readying to leave for England on October 23.
Weeks of negotiations between the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) ended with a large pay increase agreed from the $3000 earned by each Jillaroos player at the most recent World Cup in 2017.
The RLPA told AAP ensuring equal pay for equal work was a focus of the negotiations.
While the men's side will receive $40,000 each, that figure is only higher because the Kangaroos are away from home longer and are playing in a tournament with one more finals match for each team that qualifies.
The pay rise is a boon for the women's side given players generally work second jobs to support their rugby league career, with some taking leave without pay to take part in the tournament.
"We just want to be equal and valued for our time, and have the same conversations they have in the men's space in the women's space," Jillaroos co-captain Kezie Apps told AAP.
"Whatever the boys get and we get, if that is similar or the same for our time, then that is a win for us."
The RLPA will now turn its attention to brokering a new collective bargaining agreement with the ARLC.
The current accord expires on November 1 and will impact the salary cap, meaning some high-profile players who come off contract next year have been reluctant to enter talks.
"It's pretty disappointing," South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell said last week.
"(NRL CEO Andrew) Abdo came out and said he supports the playing groups but that's all words.
"If you don't put actions to words, it's no good to us."
Australian Associated Press
