NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle has praised the Suncorp Super Netball athletes and staff for how they have handled themselves following the recent player pay cuts.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Akle said complaints from NRL stars during recent wage discussions were "hard to watch" from a netballer's perspective, where players have received 70 per cent pay cuts as well as termination of staff.
The average salary for a Super Netball player in Australia is $67,000, with many on the minimum wage salary of $30,000.
"The netballers went straight to a 70 per cent pay cut, they asked very little questions and just got on with it," Akle said.
"If we're comparing codes ... the guys they're still doing really well, and I understand that they've got mortgages to pay as well ... but when you compare - our top salary is probably $100,000.
The premiership winning Head Coach slammed NRL players over their approach to pay cuts and urged them to "see the bigger picture" on the sport's survival.
The NRL pay cuts discussions has seen many players speaking out about the issues they had with taking hefty cuts during the season's postponement.
"Toughen up and see the bigger picture for what it is."
50 per cent of the Suncorp Super Netball and Netball Australia workforce were stood down as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, with the remaining 50 per cent accepting reduced hours or salaries until May 31.
"It's quite frustrating to watch and think, 'well yep, the netballers went straight to a 70 per cent pay cut'," Akle said.
"If you put all your eggs in one basket your sport will collapse, and I think that's definitely something that netball hasn't done."
Netball Australia is now working on a number of scenarios for the return of the sport at all levels.
The best-case scenario is a return on May 31, which would be less than a month's delay from the original May 2 starting date.
"I think if we can get a spotlight back on SSN with those clubs up and running, I think it'd be great to get the Australian public back in watching sport," Akle said.
Akle said her biggest concern for the Swifts during the postponement was mental health.
"They're used to structure and routine every day," Akle said. "Just keeping healthy and just keeping their mindset on the bigger picture, that helps No.1, but also staying connected with them is super important for us."
