Any decision about the future of the Auckland Warriors rests in New Zealand, not Australia, says National Rugby League (NRL) chief executive David Moffett.
The Warriors' future remains unclear as attempts by the majority shareholder, the Tainui tribe, to sell the club, which is $6 million in debt, drag on.
"The future of the Warriors lies in New Zealand. We are giving them time to work through what are obviously very complex and difficult issues,"' Mr Moffett said from Sydney yesterday.
He described Australian television reports which suggested that the NRL was about to axe the Warriors from the competition as being "irresponsible reporting in respect to the NRL's position."
"We remain very supportive of the Warriors. We've just issued a 14-team draw for next season, which includes the Warriors,"' he told Radio Sport.
"They are still in the competition as far as we are concerned," he said.
"The facts are that the solutions have to be found in New Zealand and we are giving them time to do that.
"We will obviously play a role once they determine who the buyer and who the seller is.
"`There seems to be some confusion about that at the moment but I'm sure they'll get it resolved," Mr Moffett said.
"We will give them time to resolve all the difficult issues, but I can't put a timeframe on that.
"We're supportive of what they're trying to do, and we remain optimistic that they'll get it resolved."
NRL gives Warriors time to 'sort it out'
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.