NSWRL meet with clubs to secure future of junior league
NSW Rugby League has assured Macarthur region clubs that a junior rugby league competition will go ahead in 2019.
NSW Rugby League has assured Macarthur region clubs that a junior rugby league competition will go ahead in 2019.
The league met with local clubs at Wests League Club last night following a week of turmoil after Western Suburbs District Junior Rugby League, the sport’s administrative body in the region, announced it would go into liquidation.
In a letter circulated to life members on January 16 and seen by the Macarthur Chronicle, WSDJRL president Derek Maher said costs such as an office lease, declining player numbers, decreases in gate takings and clubs folding with outstanding debts had contributed to the company’s insolvency.
The association also failed to secure a grant from Wests Leagues Club Campbelltown to fund the gala day, referees fees and a general grant after Wests Leagues raised concerns about WSDJRL’s provisions for doubtful debts and a contiuous loss recorded by the association over several years.
But NSWRL CEO David Trodden told representatives at the stakeholders meeting the state body would provide support to keep the competition operating.
Mr Trodden said if a new organisation had to be established to replace WSDJRL
then the clubs would be asked to provide input on the organisation’s name and life members would be retained.
NSWRL will begin advertising shortly for an administrator to take charge of junior league. A representative from local clubs will be appointed to the interview panel.
Mr Trodden said NSWRL was also “totally opposed” to any increase in registration fees.
He told the Macarthur Chronicle after the meeting that he believed local clubs were keen to get on with the season.
“Our obligation as a governing body is to make sure that support is there for the existing clubs,” Mr Trodden said.
“My sense of the night is that everybody is looking forward to the 2019 season and are keen to see the first ball kicked.”
Mr Trodden also said NSWRL would assist in setting up a season launch to encourage a ”feel good” factor around the sport.
“We want everybody to understand how much we do to support rugby league in this region, and having things like a season launch is one way of demonstrating that,” he said.
East Campbelltown Eagles president Daniel Draper said clubs were encouraged by the NSWRL commitment on the night.
“The meeting held by NSWRL at Wests Leagues Club gave the clubs a good insight for the future of the game in the Campbelltown/Liverpool area,” Mr Draper said.
“We are gratefulto NSWRL for working with all clubs to see our competition remain solid and thrive for the 2019 season.”
Campbelltown Warriors president Eddie Cummins said the clubs were working together to keep junior league going.
“The feeling between clubs is positive as we are all working together and we are happy to see rugby league staying in the local district,” Mr Cummins said.
“Our priority is getting kids on the field. All clubs are committed to seeing our kids have the best opportunities in playing the game we all love.”
Wests League Club CEO Tony Mathew gave a committment on the night that the club would subsidise shorts and socks for junior players.
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