The Vodafone Warriors have unveiled plans to work with the New Zealand Rugby League and the Auckland Rugby League on a long-term vision for the code in the country.
Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George said new owners the Carlaw Heritage Trust and Autex Industries were committed to leading a united effort which would pave the way for rugby league’s future.
He announced Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith would convene a working party comprising representatives from all three organisations.
“The owners and club management have had discussions about a shared desire to bring the parties together to ensure we’re heading in the same direction for the betterment of the game,” said George.
“The working party will be tasked with looking at the game’s pathways and development programmes with the end aim of enhancing opportunities for players and people at all levels of the game.
“The group will be challenged to look at ways of how the Vodafone Warriors, the NZRL and the ARL can work collectively to strengthen rugby league in a sustainable way for the next 10-20 years and beyond.
“When the Carlaw Heritage Trust and Autex Industries joined forces to buy the club it was their vision that we could create an environment where every six-year-old would want to play rugby league and have the dream of playing for the Vodafone Warriors.”
George said the working party would ultimately report back to the boards of the three organisations.
“We want to be sure we get this right so we end up with a plan that can be executed to benefit the game for years to come,” he said.
George expected the make-up of the group to be confirmed soon.
