NSW Origin star Robbie Farah has warned of a potential player revolt over the ongoing issue of insurance — branding 18 months of NRL inaction “disgraceful”.

Among the most respected voices in rugby league, Farah has told The Daily Telegraph “a big problem” is brewing as NRL players remain the only Australian athletes uninsured for permanent disability.

In recent years, the code’s superstars have threatened to strike over issues of similar importance, including salary cap limitations, Collective Bargaining Agreement delays and sharing State of Origin revenue.

SMITH’S PUSH FOR NRL INSURANCE SCHEME

INJURED STARS LEFT FINANCIALLY EXPOSED

media_camera A story on Taniela Tuiaki.

Currently in Blues camp at Coffs Harbour, Farah questioned why players who give everything in games like next Wednesday’s Origin are then discarded and forgotten if injured.

For proof, he highlighted the plights of former rising stars Simon Dwyer and Taniela Tuiaki who, as reported on these pages recently, have both been disabled by the game and essentially forgotten.

“This issue of insurance, it’s a disgrace,’’ Farah said.

“The NRL keeps saying it wants to protect the product … well, players are the product and we’re not being protected.

“Right now, rugby league is the only game that isn’t protecting its players — and that’s disgraceful.

“Both Simon and Taniela are former teammates of mine, friends of mine. And now we potentially have another situation at Wests Tigers with Liam Fulton, who has suffered those concussions.

media_camera A story on Simon Dwyer.

“I’ve actually spoken to the NRL and let them know I’m not happy about it. Told them the players aren’t happy.

“I basically said things need to get sorted or this will become a big problem within the playing group.”

The insurance issue, which has been promised to players for almost two years, has been thrust back into the spotlight following the tragic spinal injury suffered by Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon.

Apart from NRL boss Dave Smith promising McKinnon “a job for life”, the league also hopes to raise $1 million in its Round 19 ‘Rise For Alex’ fundraiser.

Yet as revealed by The Daily Telegraph, other players like Dwyer and Tuiaki have received nothing despite being permanently disabled at the height of their careers.

media_camera Alex McKinnon in hospital.

Back in 2013, Farah was among a player delegate who worked through the current Collective Bargaining Agreement with both the NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association.

“And it was at that meeting the NRL promised us something would be done with insurance,’’ he continued. “But 18 months on, almost two years on, nothing has changed.

“I know it isn’t easy. I understand that getting insurance for rugby league players is a difficult process because of what we do.

“And while the NRL have said they’re trying, you would like to think 18 months after it was promised to be sorted, it would be. Yet it isn’t. And now we need to know why.”

media_camera Robbie Farah passes during NSW Blue's Origin training.

As revealed last month, both a Super 15 rugby insurance scheme and an NRL Foundation are among options currently being considered for players disabled by the game.

While NRL players are not fully covered for “permanent disability”, an Australian rugby star would receive $1.5 million under the Super 15 Rugby insurance scheme.

As part of the policy, players receive $500,000 for death or permanent disability, plus two additional payments — a $400,000 remuneration for players at all levels and a Super 15 payout for career-ending injuries.

That is 75 per cent of their contract for the next two years, capped at $300,000 annually. Players pay two per cent of their pre-tax salary into the fund.