KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Rugby League's accounts show a deficit of just over $500,000 for 2006, due largely to the smaller-than-expected crowds for the Kiwis games here.
The Kiwis provide the NZRL with its only area of operating profit and the league will look to increase its earnings on the team from marketing, licensing and broadcasting.
League's competitions structure changes next season after a major review, and consultants and legal fees in relation to that and issues including the Nathan Fien "grannygate" saga contributed to extraordinary costs.
The scrapping of the Bartercard Cup will save the NZRL considerably in travel and other expenses. That was not the major reason for its demise, said NZRL manager Peter Cordtz. It was also not achieving goals in terms of providing a pathway for players.
The league is in talks with sponsors, including Bartercard and Lion Red, regarding their involvement. It wants to reduce its reliance on gaming grants.
The two-year deal with Maori TV to broadcast the Bartercard Cup expires after this season anyway and was to be reviewed. Maori TV's involvement remains to be determined.
The numbers of league players at most levels remains static, and the league is keen to continue to foster growth in the growing six-to-12 age bracket.
There were 1280 teams last year - just on 20,000 players. There were 470 adult teams, of which 225 were in premier and premier reserves grade, and 37 were women's teams.
The aim of the new Kiwi Roots competition structure is to reconnect with clubs and extend the opportunities for players with a programme that moves from club to region, to representative level, Cordtz said.
