League: Motu Tony appointed to NZRL board

Motu Tony has an impressive CV. Photo / Photosport

Former Kiwis international and Warriors playmaker Motu Tony has been appointed as an independent board director for the New Zealand Rugby League.

The 37-year-old replaces John Bishop, who has retired after eight years on the NZRL board, with Tony bringing close to 20 years of experience in professional sport to the role.

Tony played 13 tests for the Kiwis between 2001 and 2006, including the 2005 Tri-Nations triumph, alongside stints with the Warriors and UK Super League club Hull FC.

Recently he has gained board experience working with Baseball New Zealand, the New Zealand Rugby Union "Navigating Two Worlds" Advisory Panel and the Rugby Football League Disciplinary Review Panel Committee.

He is currently the acting chief executive at Baseball New Zealand following a stint as the general manager of football operations at Hull.

NZRL chairman Reon Edwards said Tony's experience would be invaluable as the organisation continues to move on from a tumultuous past 18 months.

"Following the Castle review, it was imperative that we took on board the recommendation to make appointments that inject more high-performance knowledge into our organisation," Edwards said in a statement issued by the NZRL.

"As a proven sports leader, administrator and director (both executive and non-executive) with almost 20 years of experience in professional sport as both an athlete and administrator, Motu Tony more than fits the bill.

"We anticipate Motu will provide real value as we look to review the draft strategic plan with the help of the newly-appointed CEO, Greg Peters."