League: Division is challenged

Alex Smits has finished his tenure as RLN's general manager. Photo / Michael Cunningham

As a last hurrah in his now-former general manager's role at Rugby League Northland, Alex Smits has sent out a final message to the local league community regarding the formation of a breakaway rugby league competition in the Far North.

"I challenge those of you who are leading the process to ask yourself if you are doing this for the best of the game, because I can tell you now that a divided community is not the best for the game," said Smits as he released his final newsletter last Friday as he prepared to take on a new career as a rural real estate agent.

Noting the RLN board's decision not to support a split premier competition was based on a number of factors which spanned all of Northland, Smits added the board had recognised the issues raised and offered to work with the Far North clubs to find solutions.

"The divide is your choice not the board's," Smits told the key figures behind the formation of the newly-formed Taitokerau Rugby League group.

"RLN has never blocked expansion or new teams to the competition and has always welcomed expansion, however to expect to play in the premiership in the first year is unrealistic," he said.

"Our decision-making process has always been transparent and engaging. I call out to all communities, have faith in RLN, we have done a good job and stick together as brothers right across Northland. Working together we will succeed together, work together to find solutions. The game is on the right track."

Elsewhere, Smits noted Rugby League Northland was preparing to name his successor early in the new year following an otherwise exciting year which saw a growth in playing numbers, with 3400 registered participants (1600 school and 1800 cub registered), an increase from 2995 in 2014.

Smith also acknowledged the work done by his offsider, RLN club development officer Toni Haldane who was also leaving the organisation and will be replaced by Cara Hutchinson.

"Toni has been a fantastic asset.

"She has been incredibly efficient, has a fantastic work ethic, shows initiative and supports the entire team," said Smits.

Hutchinson will be helped in the transition to her new job by Aaron Thomas and Benson Selwyn, RLN's development manager and officer respectively.

Noting the board will interview candidates before Christmas with a view to the new general manager starting in the new year, Smits said he and Haldane will remain with RLN on a part-time basis working to manage the upcoming Warriors vs Titans game in February.