Sir Owen Glenn statement

Sir Owen Glenn. Photo / Dean Purcell

New Zealand Warriors co-owner Sir Owen Glenn responds to comments by the club's chairman Bill Waivish and fellow owner Eric Watson.

"I want to make it quite clear I was not consulted on the termination of Matt Elliott's appointment as Warriors' coach. I was advised once the decision was made and the matter was a fait accompli. As co-owner of the Warriors, I find that position completely unacceptable.

"My single representative on the Warriors' board, who was dealing with a close family bereavement at the time these matters came to a head, has told me they were under the impression that Matt had 'resigned'. I believe her account.

"Eric Watson has said that I had asked 'not to be fully involved' in the running of the Warriors and Bill Wavish claims that I 'had previously asked not to be consulted directly on decisions'. This is an untruth. To the contrary, I agreed with Eric Watson that as shareholders we needed to be directly involved in major decisions regarding the Warriors management, selection of players and the coach. Eric Watson subsequently reneged on this arrangement.

"Given the breakdown of our relationship, both business and personal, I suggested that I should acquire a 100% stake in the Warriors. I was pleased with the outcome, as it would have enabled me, along with appropriately appointed board members, to make the necessary changes that would create a new culture and environment for the Warriors to succeed and prosper. Eric Watson's ask for his 50% stake, which I will not disclose, was grossly excessive.

"My only option, therefore, was to suggest that on the same value he should acquire my stake. Not surprisingly, after some discussion, negotiations ceased.

"My intention when I first became involved in the Warriors was to set up a rugby league academy, provide facilities to enhance the game and provide a platform for the development of the game. I was prepared to support this initiative financially. The board, controlled by Eric Watson, didn't follow through with this, which was a huge disappointment to me.

"I am a huge supporter of the Warriors and I have nothing but affection and respect for the club's wonderful fan base. New Zealand needs the Warriors. So does the NRL. I back them to put their current woes behind them and make us all proud Warriors' fans again.

"Finally, I want to repeat my charge that Matt Elliott has been treated less than honourably, and that continues to rankle with me because, as I said yesterday, he is a decent and honourable person. His graceful response to recent events has been a true measure of the man."