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We don't need no education: Professional experience the way forward

Roar Guru
26th November, 2014
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Lyall Gorman's influence at the Sharks will be missed. (Image Sharks TV)
Roar Guru
26th November, 2014
38

The call from those who think a rugby league administration needs rugby league experience have to look in the past to realise it’s a mistake.

The code has had little to no growth under an administration ran by those with experience in the game.

The NRL has remained in its heartland for the majority of its existence, with the only exceptions being the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors.

Other expansion teams such as the Perth Reds, Adelaide Rams and South Queensland Crushers got quickly axed for the heartland teams. The very same heartland sides to this day are still struggling for their inability to be run in a professional manner by those with rugby league ‘experience’.

Those who have NRL experience do not have the professional experience as a David Smith or Suzanne Young, and it reflects the financial situation of the NRL clubs constantly asking for handouts and failing to be proactive in managing their clubs.

The self-interest and insular thinking of those in rugby league circles is responsible for the code’s predicament of failure to expand and a weak heartland. A true heartland doesn’t need to be constantly tended to, it should be strong and stable but right now it’s the exact opposite.

Under the Dave Smith administration there will be unbiased eyes to see what is necessary to take the game forward and there is no conflict of interest with no past affiliation with the NRL clubs.

As a result, the NRL clubs need to give the Smith administration time. With that time, the code will be more professionally run.

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