Dozens of the game's leading players emerged on Monday night declaring it was "essential" that the NRL agree to give them a fixed share of the code's revenue in pay talks, saying they hoped their objectives could be achieved civilly.

Daly Cherry-Evans, Aaron Woods, Trent Merrin, Josh Dugan and Corey Norman were among a generous turnout at Rugby League Players' Association annual general meeting at Sydney Olympic Park, while players from interstate also followed proceedings by video link.

Genuine partners: RLPA board member James Maloney is taking a stand. Credit:Getty Images

Melbourne and Test captain Cameron Smith was elected as the organisation's new general president, replacing Clint Newton, and the players emerged as a united front in seeking a fundamental change to the way in which the game's revenue is distributed. "The players want a fixed share of the revenue," Cronulla five-eighth and RLPA board member James Maloney said.

"We want to all be incentivised to grow the game. If we're genuine partners in the game and we're getting a percentage of the revenue then it's in our best interests to grow the game and make it better. It's not about trying to get anything ridiculous and reasonable. It's just about getting value, I suppose, for what we contribute to the game."