The boss of the Rugby League Players Association says he has to remain “optimistic” about reaching a resolution as the bitter pay dispute drags on.

Negotiations have been ongoing between the RLPA and NRL for 14 months.

There are reports of possible strike action, which could derail the start of the 2023 season before a new agreement is reached.

RLPA CEO Clint Newton said meetings with the league will continue next week in a bid to break the impasse.

“Players don’t feel like they have been listened to and they don’t feel like there has been enough respect shown to the negotiations, and respect can come in many forms,” he told Mark Levy on Wide World of Sports.

Mark said it appeared there was an ongoing “power struggle” and fans, players were sick of it.

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