League: ARL and NZRL in stand-off

The stand-off continues between the Auckland Rugby League district (ARL) and the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) over the future structure of the game.

Yesterday's NZRL annual general meeting was postponed after the ARL sought and obtained an interim injunction under urgency in the High Court at Auckland.

As part of last year's findings of the Sparc report into league in New Zealand, the sport was organised into seven zones. The injunction relates to the establishment of the Northern zone.

The ARL's chief gripe is that it is one district split among three zones - Northern, Auckland and Counties-Manukau - whereas all other zones contain one or more districts.

The ARL doesn't believe it has the power it deserves, given it caters for two-thirds of the country's players and has significantly more assets than other districts due in part to the lucrative sale of land in and around the old Carlaw Park.

That is reinforced in the Sparc review which stated Auckland was the only district capable of a self-sustainable financial position.

ARL are worried they are being patronised by the NZRL in a 'keep doing what you're doing' manner but without having enough say in running the game nationally.

In addition, the Auckland and Northern districts get to elect just one member onto the nine-director NZRL board.

As a result, there is a feeling of loss of good will and limited accountability - because the zones aren't perceived to be truly representative of the districts.

Both parties insist they are open to mediation.

The NZRL was disappointed with the outcome but says the decision won't stop its commitment to implementing the reforms approved at last year's annual meeting.