League: McGregor says ARL must be allowed say

Auckland Rugby league chairman Cameron McGregor has renewed calls for the Warriors to involve the ARL as a partner in the club after the current salary cap controversy.

"This episode really just confirms what we thought of the old management and underlines the frustration we felt. We didn't want to go too public with that frustration because it all rubs off on the game of rugby league," said McGregor.

"But this latest problem just makes it even clearer that the ARL has to have a voice in the Warriors."

As a private company, the Warriors have no requirement to involve the ARL but McGregor says the involvement of the league would benefit both parties.

"I feel sorry for the new management because it is clear they are trying to take the club to a new era with some positive changes, including being transparent and telling the truth.

"But the fact remains that the Warriors have to be accountable to the game of rugby league. When they are doing well, league does well. When they aren't, our numbers suffer. So it is not just about the Warriors."

McGregor said the ARL was not saying it should run the Warriors on its own - "we've tried that and it didn't work" - but that a partnership was still needed to benefit the club and the development of the game in Auckland.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY