Nigel Wood's RFL return complete as clubs seek Robert Hicks return

[morley pie eater]

Saints didn't opposed it - just Wigan and Warrington if I read it correctly.

Aren't you reading a little too much into it, morley? You might be right about Saints, but the text of piece, for me, is merely saying that at least two clubs, Wigan and Warrington, voted against. It seems unclear (maybe deliberately so) whether that means other clubs also voted against.

But Love Rugby League has been told that two clubs who did not vote in favour were the two who recently took Super League to Las Vegas: the reigning champions, Wigan, and the Wolves.

They did not feel comfortable supporting the proposals that involved a potential return of Wood, even on an interim basis.

Not so my friend - here's what it says:

With Super League clubs’ votes counting heavily in the weighting of Council voting, it effectively meant that the support of the likes of Leigh and Leeds was always going to be influential. Clubs including Hull KR, Hull FC and St Helens also supported the proposals.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/th ... n-revealed

[moto748]

I like your plan, morley. It's coherent, and makes sense. Therefore it has no chance whatsoever of ever happening!

[Mike]

I like your plan, morley. It's coherent, and makes sense. Therefore it has no chance whatsoever of ever happening!

I don't like it. Contraction is the opposite of what we need to, and I don't think the crowd figures hold up in the way you think they would. A sport dropping clubs is contracting, becoming regionalised, losing supporters and media interest and is likely to see its finances contract in the next round of TV negotiations.

Take it to an extreme and get rid of all but 4 of the best supported clubs. Would crowds hold up? Would media interest be sustained? 10 is OK in your plan, but what about 8, or 6 and that's the way you'd be going if a couple other clubs started pulling lower crowds...

We are clearly not in a position to expand right now, but we need to grow the financial pot from where we are so we can fully support the league we have now and eventually bring in new, strong organizations to add to our appeal. Its a long term thing and we're heading slowly in the right direction from what I can see, however I expect that to be derailed by the "review".

[BriH]

I like your plan, morley. It's coherent, and makes sense. Therefore it has no chance whatsoever of ever happening!

I don't like it. Contraction is the opposite of what we need to, and I don't think the crowd figures hold up in the way you think they would. A sport dropping clubs is contracting, becoming regionalised, losing supporters and media interest and is likely to see its finances contract in the next round of TV negotiations.

Take it to an extreme and get rid of all but 4 of the best supported clubs. Would crowds hold up? Would media interest be sustained? 10 is OK in your plan, but what about 8, or 6 and that's the way you'd be going if a couple other clubs started pulling lower crowds...

We are clearly not in a position to expand right now, but we need to grow the financial pot from where we are so we can fully support the league we have now and eventually bring in new, strong organizations to add to our appeal. Its a long term thing and we're heading slowly in the right direction from what I can see, however I expect that to be derailed by the "review".

I agree Mike

[morley pie eater]

Further resignations - getting serious.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/two-rfl- ... ce-102486/

[josie andrews]

Derek Beaumont’s Wigan & Warrington claim as he makes Nigel Wood demand of rugby league fans

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has urged rugby league fans to get behind the installation of Nigel Wood as the Chair of an Implementation Committee to conduct a review of the sport.

It’s safe to say it has been another much-debated week in rugby league circles. With the ongoing Salford Red Devils’ financial drama continuing to brew, the pressure of everything and the suggestions of Beaumont and Gary Hetherington led to the departure of Simon Johnson as RFL Chair.

As well as picking up the lead of the Implementation Committee, Wood has also been appointed RFL Chair on an interim basis. This news has led to an array of strong reactions across the rugby league landscape, be it fans or media

Rugby league journalist John Davidson started the social media debate earlier this week which led to Beaumont getting involved when posting about the return of Wood. Davidson said: “Nigel Wood back in charge at the RFL. Eight years after the Super League clubs forced him out. Eight years after his £320,000 payoff. After he left the RFL with £2 million in losses. People in rugby league not only have short memories, they cannot break from the past.”

This post led to Beaumont jumping in and responding to the journalist and several fans throughout a busy couple of hours for the Leigh owner. The eccentric businessman countered claims Wigan, Warrington and Huddersfield had been against the return of Wood.

He then responded to the strong views in opposition from fans to Wood’s return, but insisted rugby league supporters should give Wood a chance to lead the sport through a tricky period to come.

“Thanks for the engagement everyone and your opinions which you’re entitled to. It’s what makes the game thrive, we need traction,” Beaumont wrote on his Twitter account.

Let’s get positive though for this process then hit us with Nige comments and I will take it on the chin if wrong but let’s focus on what we need to change what you want to see and add the value of your ideas and vision. That will be helpful and what I want to engage further with. Wishing everyone a restful night.”

In a statement earlier in the week, Beaumont and Hetherington insisted Wood was ‘not seeking remuneration’ for the role.

“Furthermore, and to negate damaging speculation, we would like to make it clear, Nigel has never sought, nor has he been offered any remuneration for this project. He is considered without doubt by those who have proposed him to be the best and most experienced person for the job given his extensive knowledge of all aspects of the game which can only have been further reinforced having also gained experience of running a club. We will update with details of the full committee once concluded.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/derek-be ... ns-102488/

[fozzie58]

Derek really needs perhaps to get back into his leopard print box the sport is a laughing stock once again wether he likes it or not Davidson is bang on with his comments about woods and he and uncle Gary have brought this implosion of the Rfl

It’s a disgrace

[moto748]

I just feel we're only getting half a story (at best) of what's going on behind the scenes. I'd love to know!