NSWRL MEDIA RELEASE
Members of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and Country Rugby League (CRL) have come together today for an historic joint meeting at Rugby League Central for consultation over a possible merger that would see Rugby League in NSW governed by one body for the first time in more than 80 years.
The members received a "One State" presentation and had the opportunity to ask questions of the CRL Chairman John Anderson OAM and Operations Manager Bert Lowrie, NSWRL Chairman Dr George Peponis OAM and Chief Executive David Trodden.
NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg and ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie also attended the meeting and spoke of their strong support for a single governing body in NSW to ensure the best outcome for grassroots Rugby League.
The presentation follows a landmark decision on 24 August in which the NSWRL and CRL entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document whereby both organisations would work towards merging into a single entity by 1 November 2020.
The merger would allow for significantly more combined resources to deliver Rugby League programs and competitions across the whole state. The NSWRL and CRL have assured all existing staff that their employment is secure.
Mr Anderson said: "This is an exciting opportunity. We have always been committed to advancing the game in metropolitan and regional areas.
"A potential merger provides us with the opportunity to increase resources and assist the 100,000 plus players and officials in the game to provide the best outcome for the game in New South Wales in the city and the country.
"Today's meeting is just the start of the process and consultation with our Members throughout is very important."
Dr Peponis said: "This is an historic moment for the game in NSW and as leaders of the game in this state, we have an opportunity to make a difference.
"A single governing body has the potential to reinforce our sport as the top winter sport in the state.
"This is a work in progress though. Today's meeting was an information session and we will have many of these along the way and we want our Members to take it back to their Boards, Clubs and regions for discussion."
WORDS: NSWRL MEDIA RELEASE
