Frustrated NRL stars are preparing for industrial action within weeks after their union slapped a deadline on head office to finalise a number of issues in the protracted pay dispute between the governing body and its players.

In the latest twist in the long-running and bitter collective bargaining agreement talks, the game’s players are on the verge of escalating action against the NRL in the midst of the regular season.

In an email sent to the entire NRL and NRLW playing group on Monday night and seen by the Herald, the Rugby League Players’ Association says players will have “no choice” but to trigger action “should negotiations continue to stall”.

It is the most significant update in weeks to the delicate negotiations, which have largely been reported as having progressed over the last month.

But despite hopes of a resolution before the start of the season – four months after the last pay deal expired – the NRL and the RLPA have been unable to strike agreement on a number of issues.

In the email to all its members, the RLPA said it wanted agreement on NRLW contracts, a transfer system, an above-forecast revenue model, player payments and player-benefit allocations before the end of the week, otherwise it suggested players would need to act.

The email said there had been advances in the past month but added “we can no longer waste another day”.

“As you know, the last thing the RLPA wants is for our dispute with the NRL to impact fans through player action,” the email said. “Given the NRL’s failure to meet some of our most important demands, and clubs seemingly also resisting, the situation may require forthright action by players.