NRL boss Dave Smith’s torrid week is about to become even more stressful with the likelihood of being grilled by a series of questions and demands from all 16 clubs on Monday.

A chairmen’s phone hook-up scheduled for Monday afternoon has been described by one club chairman as an early ‘showdown’ in the pursuit by the club’s to ensure they strike a historic windfall from Smith’s controversial $925m broadcasting deal with the Nine Network.

It is the first chairmen’s meeting since June, where on that occasion, all 16 NRL club bosses met with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who warned the collection of club executives to not let the NRL take control of the clubs.

News of the AFL striking the biggest free-to-air deal in Australian professional sport and pay-TV’s largest commitment to any football code last week, has left the stakeholders — the clubs — nervous that their cut of the pie will be much less than what they believe they are worth.

BUZZ ROTHFIELD: Demetriou the man to fix the NRL

UNDER PRESSURE: NRL clubs to ask Smith for answers

RICHARD HINDS: If the NRL builds it, will they come?

WHAT’S THE BUZZ: Saint, sinner, shoosh

REBECCA WILSON: Pressure mounts on Smith and Grant

media_camera Dave Smith’s stressful week is far from over.

Recent estimates suggest that the club’s will be afforded $50 million from the deal in 2018 — which through the eyes of the club’s, many of which are under financial strain, is not enough.

The Rugby League Players Association have also issued a warning to the NRL that they are also about to get serious following the resignation of CEO David Garnsey last week.

The removal of Garnsey, who handed in his resignation prior to a vote of no confidence petition reaching the RLPA board, is an indication the players want a stronger leader who is willing to fight for a significant increase in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

THE Rugby League Players Association have also issued a warning to the NRL that they are also about to get serious following the resignation of CEO David Garnsey last week.

The removal of Garnsey, who handed in his resignation prior to a vote of no confidence petition reaching the RLPA board, is an indication the players want a stronger leader who is willing to fight for a significant increase in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.