The NRL and the players' union are close to agreeing on a salary cap of $9.2 million for next year, a figure that will prompt a mass shedding of players from clubs that have overshot the limit.

The governing body and the Rugby League Players Association made some headway during meetings last week that marked the first time NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has come to the negotiating table. The parties are still at loggerheads over the RLPA's demand for a 29 per cent share of revenue, the biggest stumbling block in collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

Big money: NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has come to the negotiating table. Credit:AAP

However, progress has been made on other fronts. Another contentious issue is the salary cap, with the clubs demanding clarity in order to finalise their 2018 rosters. It's understood the figure for next season will be about $9.2 million for a 30-man squad, although there remains contention about whether several inclusions should sit outside that figure. The 16 clubs will be expected to contribute $400,000 each towards the running the integrity unit, a cost the NRL wants included in the figure. There is also toing and froing over whether the $100,000 motor vehicle allowance should sit within or outside the cap, as well as whether the current veterans player allowance should be replaced with the union's proposal of a 10 per cent reduction for developing players or retaining loyal servants.

In a bid to help get a deal done, the NRL has budged on its opening $8.84 million offer and with only haggling over inclusions remaining, the parties are effectively less than $500,000 apart.