KEY POINTS:
Under-fire NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers could face moves to oust him at the next board meeting on December 5.
The NZRL boss has been a controversial figure since replacing Selwyn Bennett as chairman 12 months ago and could face a vote of no-confidence when he returns to New
Zealand after the present Kiwis tour.
Chalmers brought about significant constitutional change earlier this year, ushering in a new board of nine members (six elected and three independents) and it's understood there is growing disquiet within that board. It would take a 75 per cent majority to achieve change.
While Chalmers' inflammatory comments in recent weeks about Australia, Adrian Morley and the judiciary have drawn criticism, it is the game's financial position that has caused the greatest concern.
Last year, the NZRL lost more than $500,000 and another loss of $500,000 to $700,000 is likely this financial year. Their present spending is believed to be more than $4 million, though Chalmers would not confirm that. Chalmers came under fire when delegates quizzed him about finances ahead of the test against Australia in Wellington.
"He got asked some fairly hard questions because people weren't happy with him," Auckland Rugby League chairman Cameron McGregor said. "The districts have been quite animated on this.
"Andrew is doing some pretty good things but can the game afford it? We really want assurances that the NZRL finances are in order. He promised to get back to us but that hasn't happened. I'm sure there are going to be further questions at the next board meeting. Unless he comes up with some answers, his position will be on the line.
"It's up to the directors to make sure everything is going OK and we have reminded them of their responsibilities. If they decide to take some action, then it is the democratic process working."
Chalmers was relaxed about his position last week and wasn't expecting a challenge at the next board meeting.
"I have certainly not had any issues raised with me from anyone on the board," he said. "These type of comments are no different from what I have heard for the last five years and what I heard around the reform process, the constitutional changes and the competitions structure which was unanimously adopted by all of the districts.
"I'm passionate about rugby league and that passion hasn't waned. Whether I'm chairman of the NZRL or supporting grassroots football, I'm going to be involved in the game. I'm not going anywhere. It's not in my nature to give up."
Apart from sponsorship and broadcasting deals as well as gaming money, the only aspect of the game that makes money for the NZRL is the Kiwis. Last year's Tri Nations, for example, brought in $1 million.
Domestic programmes are a heavy burden on finances and a big reason why the Bartercard Cup was dropped. The NZRL are pinning their hopes on next year's State of Origin format, called Kiwi Roots, to be a good earner.
