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Benji Marshall performing the haka - Source: Reuters -
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NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden has welcomed the chance to work alongside SPARC to establish a new era for the game.
He said both the NZRL board and the district leagues throughout the country had enthusiastically embraced the recommendations made by the Independent Review Committee as a result of its review of rugby league in New Zealand.
"The board was unanimous in endorsing the resolutions the committee reached," said Haffenden.
"There was also a totally positive reaction at presentations made to the district leagues and affiliated bodies up and down the country over the last three days.
"We're excited about the game's future as we look to implement the changes needed to give rugby league a sound future.
"As we expected, the review committee's findings established that there are major issues with our governance and structures at all levels - from the top through to the grass roots.
"The game can not go on the way it has been. It is obvious dramatic change is needed if we are to again become a viable concern on New Zealand's sporting landscape."
Haffenden stressed all stakeholders needed to focus on the future rather than the past now the committee's findings had been released.
"I can't say enough about the process the review committee has been through," he said.
"This is the most thorough review the game has experienced and the final report produced is a very impressive body of work.
"But, while it has revealed a lot of problems within rugby league over a long period, now is not the time to dwell on the past or to point fingers at anyone.
"What we all need to do is move past that, look ahead to what is in front of us and do all we can to implement the recommended changes as quickly and efficiently as we can. The board is committed to moving on quickly. We can't afford to take our time. If we do rugby league in this country will stagnate and we'll lose the momentum generated by this review.
"This is not about self interests; this is about everyone with an interest in rugby league being focused on the good of the game."
Haffenden said the Kiwis' World Cup victory had provided the blueprint for on-field success at the highest level but this was not being matched elsewhere.
"The Kiwis' fantastic World Cup victory has shown that we have so much to be proud of but we need a game that has far more robust governance and management structures in place at all levels if we are to not only survive but also develop," he said.
"In short, the Kiwis have shown they can perform on the field and, if they're to be consistently successful, we have to prove we can perform off the field as well.
"That can be achieved only through sustainable funding and sustainable growth in numbers participating in the game.
"Continuing to do what we have been doing is not an option. If we do we'll make no progress at all.
"This is a time for major surgery and we will do everything to ensure that happens for the betterment of rugby league. We know SPARC shares the same view."
Haffenden said the board and key stakeholders appreciated the expertise and resources SPARC could provide in guiding the NZRL through a major transitional phase and onto a bright new era for the game.
