Players win big in NRL pay deal

THE NRL'S FIVE-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

* Next year's salary cap will be set at $9.4 million and rise to $10 million for the first time in 2022.

* The players collect a 52 per cent pay rise with 29.5 per cent of projected revenue resulting in $980 million income over the life of the agreement.

* The salary cap will now be split across the top 30 players in each squad, with the average income to be $330,000 and the minimum at $100,000.

* The NRL will have access to players' private records in the most serious of integrity matters.

* Players will have a bigger say on matters of integrity throughout the game.

* An injury hardship fund will be available to those forced into premature retirement, replacing the career-ending injury insurance scheme.

* Players will be given more time off during the week to pursue professional and personal development outside the game.

* An allocation of $3.75 million has been set aside for the elite women's game.