League: Far North issue priority

Duane Fyfe is the new RLN general manager. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The vacant Rugby League Northland general manager's seat has been filled, with Duane Fyfe stepping in to continue the good work and initiatives established by his predecessor Alex Smits.

Having held positions as Canterbury Rugby League's development officer and general manager, as well as being manager for NZ Army Rugby League, the Junior Kiwis, the NZ Residents, and being a liaison for the Kiwis, Fyfe says he's keen to put his 10 years' experience in rugby league administration and management to good use in Northland.

However, he is aware the role will come with its challenges - most notably the formation of a pirate rugby league group which emerged in the Far North as 'Taitokerau Rugby League' late last year.

"The Far North issue I guess will be the number one priority," Fyfe said.

Intent on building relationships with several clubs who have opted to join the Far North movement instead of playing in the RLN Premiership, Fyfe could have a secret weapon in his inventory.

Serving 20 years in the NZ Army where he achieved the Warrant Officer Class One rank, he brings with him core values of teamwork, discipline and leadership.

By "carrying on with those same ethics", he hopes to engage the Northland league community to further establish unity across the region.

"There is the issue of the Far North. I'm getting to terms with that and which direction to go but we want to talk to people.

"There's some work to do to help the clubs, [so] club development will be a key role, how we do that is obviously something to be found out.

"But certainly we'd like to strengthen the clubs ... so they can grow in the game as well as in their communities."

On the plus side, Fyfe is keen for the flourishing youth numbers in the Northland league scene to continue on an upward trend.

"There's been some great success here from Alex, he's really increased the numbers playing rugby league and I'd like to grow on that."