The NRL will likely meet with the Rugby League Players Association in coming weeks as the battle over next year's salary cap continues.
The RLPA sent their counter proposal to the NRL this week, requesting next year's cap figure rises to a base figure of $9.1 million - $800,000 more than 's believed the governing body put forward originally.
Under the RLPA's comprehensive proposal, it's understood the cap for each club's 26-man squad will be set at $9.1 million, before long-serving player allowances and car benefits are added.
In comparison, it's believed the NRL's initial offer of $8.3 million for a 30-man squad only reached $8.84 million when considering those allowances.
The RLPA is also keen to introduce a $900,000 cap for players outside of the top 26, which would implement a minimum wage for players who may be called into NRL duties throughout the season.
Also key to the proposal is the RLPA's push for a shared revenue model, which would sit at 29 per cent.
"Our proposal focuses on a shared responsibility and determination to protect the game and realise its potential," RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast said.
"By seeking to establish a guaranteed fair share of revenue players are saying they will work with the NRL to grow the game rather than simply seeking to maximise short-term benefits."
The RLPA's response is their first official proposal as part of the negotiations for the game's collective bargaining agreement, but it seems unlikely the issue will be resolved before the original flexible goal of June 30.
Uncertainty over next year's cap figure has prompted one of the most intense transfer markets in recent memory, with a number of big names still off contract.
But Melbourne, Queensland and Australia captain Cameron Smith said players were united.
"We may contest fiercely on the field, but when it comes to fundamental issues about the future of our game we are 100 per cent united in our support of the RLPA," Smith said.
"Our proposal will place players at the centre of the industry by engaging and empowering us to work in genuine partnership with the NRL and clubs to help set rugby league up for the future."
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