Isnt this the key paragraph?

"The ARL is required to distribute tour payments to Australia's elite but says it cannot do so until the RFL, which hosted the Four Nations, completes a tournament audit."

Surely it's just waiting for the tournament audit to be completed, if it's like the audits we have at work 3 months is nothing to wait for 1 to be completed.

Seems like the money means more to the Aussies than the achievement. A shame.

Well technically there is no ARL anymore! I presume the ARLC has taken over the Int payment fiasco?

I dont think you should be paid for playing international RL. The pride should be enough

Your not wrong.

"As a gesture of goodwill, the RFL will arrange for each ARL player will receive a small articulated lorry (painted green, white and orange) in lieu of the outstanding payment ..."

Late payment of a bonus doesn't look good but is not the real story.

Either the ARL are unwilling (player interest) or unable (low reserves) to be able to pay their players in advance while they wait for the RFL to complete the audit.

Or the ARL don't trust the RFL to stump up the full amount and don't want to be left holding the bag.

I seem to recall a similar situation a few years ago where the RFL were being accused of not paying up. When the [iwhole[/i story came out, the RFL were actually withholding payment until a claim by a hotel for damage was resolved.

I'm not saying this is the case here, but perhaps they have learned a lesson and won't pay until accounts and expenses are verified.