NDRL avoids crisis as community bands together

A crisis meeting to save the NDRL has gone ahead, with a positive outcome that will see the club saved.

The NDRL has been saved at the 11th hour.

A committee has been formed in order to save the Northern Districts Rugby League after a last minute crisis meeting was held to save the club.

Held on Sunday, February 19, the meeting was a success, with appointments for secretary and chairperson slated.

Bundaberg soccer players to watch

NDRL stalwart Neil Redfern will step in as chairperson in the interim until the club can organise a way to include a member with referee duties in the presidential position.

Long-time Avondale trainer Celine Collins will take up the role of secretary and will hit the ground running with her wealth of experience.

Mr Redfern said he was “over the moon” following the meeting which included a room full of people and even more watching online.

A Grade mens Bundaberg Rugby League - Wallaroos (Blue) v Seagulls (Green) - Ben Ottery (roos) attempts to bring down Logona Vetemotu (seagulls) in a previous game.

If the NDRL hadn’t managed to form a committee, it would not have been able to go forward with its affiliation and competitions would have ceased.

Mr Redfern said a second meeting would be held soon to resolve the president issue and to release the draw.

Multiple men’s and women’s teams are ready to go.

Mr Redfern said he was impressed by the number of young people who came forward to help save the NDRL.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm there,” he said.

“They’re going to bring a lot of skills.”

What seemed like a gloomy outlook has been brightened by a renewed sense of excitement. It’s why Mr Redfern is sure the NDRL is set to get “bigger and better”.

“It was looking quite sad at one stage,” he said.

“It should be quite an interesting year.”