Souths boss Blake Solly told he’s no longer required on NRL crisis committee
The NRL put together a coronavirus crisis committee to address the financial issues facing the code. But one key member has been told he’s no longer required.
NRL
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The strong unity between the NRL and the 16 clubs over their handling of coronavirus has quickly vanished.
It follows highly regarded South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly being ditched from an NRL working group to look at all the financial issues that threaten the code’s future.
Solly is regarded as a future NRL chief executive yet on Friday he received a phone call from head office to say his services were no longer required on the crisis committee.
NRL CFO Tony Crawford told him it would be a conflict of interests for him to continue. Melbourne Storm powerbroker Bart Campbell has spoken to many of the clubs.
“All we’re looking for is transparency and fairness,” Campbell said.
“It won’t help us to achieve that by not having Blake in there. I’d like the NRL to explain why he’s not there to help work through the many challenges.”
Solly had spent most of last week in discussions with the NRL’s senior management on the best ways to handle the crippling coronavirus effect on the game.
There is talk each club will need an additional $3 million from the NRL to survive without crowds.
Campbell says: “We need to understand the thought process that goes into the decisions they make and we need shared ownership.
“How can you have unity in the game when there is no voice from the clubs or the states. The people in head office don’t necessarily know how to run a football club.”
Many are concerned Solly is seen as a threat to Todd Greenberg, hence the decision to turn him away.
His club South Sydney make a profit without poker machines but is facing significant cost cutting.
“I’m not saying I want Todd Greenberg removed but Blake Solly is an extremely competent operator,” Campbell said, “Blake could easily be a CEO of the game.
“All good ideas don’t originate from head office. Peter V’Landys is listening but the senior management isn’t.”
Solly was reluctant to comment when approached by The Daily Telegraph.
“I wanted to support the NRL’s work in order to help drive a positive outcome for the 16 clubs and keep us all together,” he said.
“Amongst the 16 clubs there has been a real unity and a desire to work together.”
Originally published as Souths boss Blake Solly told he’s no longer required on NRL crisis committee