PLAYERS will not boycott the Dally M Awards night on Wednesday, as had been threatened amid a pay deal impasse with the NRL, the Rugby League Players Association announced on Saturday.

AN RLPA statement said that it was in the best interests of its members and the game to support the night. It also said that “an outstanding deal” with the NRL was close and could be announced in coming weeks, with negotiations to resume next week.

The decision to attend the Dally Ms averts a potential embarrassment for the NRL, which had stated its intention to hold the presentation regardless. The players will now be in attendance at the Star Casino gala, at which Storm captain Cameron Smith (the 2006 Dally M Medallist) will be hot favourite to again win the NRL’s highest individual honour.

RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast also said that there was no chance of players taking industrial action during the post-season Rugby League World Cup.

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Cameron Smith. Source: Getty Images

“The Dally Ms celebrate the achievements of players across the competition and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to celebrate the season,” he said in the statement.

“The commitment from the NRL to finalising the CBA over the past few weeks means that players are comfortable in supporting the event.

“Just last week the RLPA hosted its own awards, The Players’ Champion, with ARLC commissioners and executives from the NRL supporting the night in what was a great sign that we can move forward and work in partnership.

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“The RLPA firmly believes that the parties are close to delivering a deal that will help take rugby league forward, so it’s important that we continue on this path in good faith.

“We can also confirm that players will be supporting the Rugby League World Cup despite the speculation that players would not participate.

“The RLPA has been working closely with the RLWC organisers and is looking forward to rugby league being showcased on the world stage.

“We have moved closer to a resolution in the past few weeks and we will continue negotiating in good faith to ensure players receive a fair CBA that reflects their contribution to the game.”