A Dally M and World Cup boycott has been averted after the NRL and the players' union edged closer to a collective bargaining agreement that will be the envy of other Australian athletes.

The Rugby League Players Association had threatened to pull players out of next week's Dally M awards if the governing body didn't commit the time required to work through the outstanding issues. The union refused to take the NRL's revised offer to a mass gathering of players a month ago because it fell short of expectations, but the parties have come closer together during a series of meeting in recent weeks.

Wearing two hats: RLPA president and Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith is the short-priced favourite for the Dally M medal. Credit:AAP

Melbourne, Queensland and Australian skipper Cameron Smith was in the invidious position of being both the president of the union and also one of the shortest-priced Dally M favourites in history. Smith told Fairfax Media last month he would be prepared to stand in solidarity alongside the players, even if it meant missing out on the prestigious gong. However, that scenario has been avoided after fruitful discussions, raising hopes of an in-principle agreement being reached in coming weeks.

"The Dally Ms celebrate the achievements of players across the competition and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to celebrate the season," said RLPA boss Ian Prendergast.