SYDNEY TALKS TO AVERT ABORIGINAL EXODUS FROM NSW COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE
Michael Anderson | 02.02.2007 06:08 | Anti-racism
The Aboriginal nations super league has negotiated with Country League boss, Terry Quinn to avert a mass exodus of elite Aboriginal rugby players.
Michael Anderson, Chair CEO of Aboriginal Nations Rugby League, said in Sydney today that his discussions with Mr Quinn “were amicable”.
“The key issues discussed were Aboriginal players’ strengths and representation for Aboriginal teams; the logistics of insuring players; and organisational administration.
“I pointed out to Mr Quinn that most of the players, both from under 18s and First Grade, will come from the strength of numbers in communities across NSW, where, for the greatest part, Rugby League is not being played.
“During the discussions Country League again raised their concern about a mass exodus of Aboriginal elite players from Rugby League divisional and group competitions, which could, in effect, render these teams impotent in that their player strength will be weakened severely if an exodus of Aboriginal players choose to leave their Country League competitions.”
Mr Anderson assured Mr Quinn that “It is not in the Aboriginal Nations Super League’s interest to go out and canvas elite Aboriginal players to leave existing clubs and walk out on contracts.”
But Mr Anderson did say, “We are in a competitive world and competition for elite Aboriginal players will become inevitable in country areas because for us Aboriginal people, the organisation of this Aboriginal Nations Super League competition brings us out of the shadows and into the light, where we belong.”
“With Western society being one of competition and dog-eat-dog in competitive business programmes, we have come of age, whilst retaining our integrity and identity.”
Mr Anderson concluded: “I hope the Country League decision that will be made this weekend will see merit in what we do, as it can only benefit the promotion of Rugby League where it is currently dying or already dead.”
Contact: Michael Anderson +61 427 292 492 or +61 2 68296355
“The key issues discussed were Aboriginal players’ strengths and representation for Aboriginal teams; the logistics of insuring players; and organisational administration.
“I pointed out to Mr Quinn that most of the players, both from under 18s and First Grade, will come from the strength of numbers in communities across NSW, where, for the greatest part, Rugby League is not being played.
“During the discussions Country League again raised their concern about a mass exodus of Aboriginal elite players from Rugby League divisional and group competitions, which could, in effect, render these teams impotent in that their player strength will be weakened severely if an exodus of Aboriginal players choose to leave their Country League competitions.”
Mr Anderson assured Mr Quinn that “It is not in the Aboriginal Nations Super League’s interest to go out and canvas elite Aboriginal players to leave existing clubs and walk out on contracts.”
But Mr Anderson did say, “We are in a competitive world and competition for elite Aboriginal players will become inevitable in country areas because for us Aboriginal people, the organisation of this Aboriginal Nations Super League competition brings us out of the shadows and into the light, where we belong.”
“With Western society being one of competition and dog-eat-dog in competitive business programmes, we have come of age, whilst retaining our integrity and identity.”
Mr Anderson concluded: “I hope the Country League decision that will be made this weekend will see merit in what we do, as it can only benefit the promotion of Rugby League where it is currently dying or already dead.”
Contact: Michael Anderson +61 427 292 492 or +61 2 68296355
Michael Anderson