sport news Footy star Reed Mahoney drops STRIKE bombshell as he confirms NRL player ... trends now

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Industrial action remains a key weapon in the Rugby League Players Association's arsenal, with Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney revealing a boycott has been discussed as the collective bargaining agreement stalemate drags on.

The RLPA is fed up with the game's governing body, with players receiving an email on Wednesday about potential action to be taken ahead of the inaugural NRL pre-season challenge that kicks off in New Zealand on Thursday night.

Players were told that kick-offs could be delayed, NRL logos on their jerseys covered up and all external media barred if Thursday's deadline wasn't met.

The CBA is delayed by more than three months, with NRLW players still seeking a historic deal as they wait for key information around their expanded competition.

The thought of players going on strike is at the extreme end of the scale, but Mahoney warned the NRL that it was on the cards if things didn't improve in the coming weeks.

'It can happen - and we don't want it to go that far - but there has been talks of it,' said Mahoney, who is Canterbury's delegate to the RLPA.