The players will need a new voice to represent their interests after the head of their union announced he is stepping down from the position.

Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) chief executive Ian Prendergast will finish up his tenure in April, by which time he will have been in the position for four-and-a-half years. During that time the former AFL player negotiated the current collective bargaining agreement, helped introduce and administer the new agent accreditation scheme, incorporated female players into the membership and helped develop the wellbeing and education partnership with the NRL.

Players association boss Ian Prendergast during the CBA negotiations in 2017. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Prendergast will return to Melbourne to take up a new role that allows him to be closer his extended family, although not until the ongoing CBA dispute with the NRL is resolved.

"I’m really proud of what the team and our members have achieved and believe the RLPA is in great shape," Prendergast said. "This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with such a dedicated team at the RLPA and the strong connection I have formed with our members.