A former NRL captain thinks it's unfair that the Rugby League Players Association is taking advantage of media to send a message.

The RLPA has implemented a player media boycott from now until after next Wednesday's State Of Origin to protest the lack of action on a new collective bargaining agreement with the NRL.

Former Kiwis captain and league commentator Richie Barnett says media is an important promotional tool and there's other ways to voice disapproval.

"I think it's just an appalling indictment that they firstly use media. There's other ways to do it and I just don't think that's the right way."

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