New Super League chief has to be free from RFL '“ Hudgell

HULL KR chairman Neil Hudgell last night warned the next Super League general manager must have autonomy away from the Rugby Football League or the competition could break out into 'civil war.'
Super League general manager Blake SollySuper League general manager Blake Solly
Super League general manager Blake Solly

Super League is searching for a new chief after it was announced yesterday that incumbent Blake Solly is returning to his Australian homeland to take over as chief executive at leading NRL club South Sydney.

The RFL’s marketing director Mark Foster, who has been with the governing body for four years, will take on his role while a successor is found.

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Solly, who is well regarded in the British game, worked for the governing body himself before being tasked with the role of Super League’s full-time general manager in May 2014 and still retains some links with the RFL.

However, Hudgell told The Yorkshire Post that the next appointment needs to have no such ties to the governing body due to obvious conflicts of interest.

“The clubs would want a high-calibre individual with the same skills set as Blake,” he said.

“It’s no surprise he is going back to Australia as he has done a really good job here.

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“(But) there’s been a long-running debate about whether or not Super League needs someone specific in that capacity – dedicated solely to the competition – rather than having someone with an RFL crossover.

“Super League is, after all, the pinnacle over the sport here.

“The candidate needs to have autonomy and the clubs have to have a profound say with regards the outcome of the appointment otherwise it could lead to an outbreak of civil war.

“I want to see someone who represents the interests of Super League and that the clubs have a strong representation when it comes to selection.”

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RFL chief executive Nigel Wood, of course, sits on the Super League board, too, and some clubs – who were on the brink of civil war at the end of 2013 over RFL plans to bring in a new format – are uneasy with how much sway the governing body still holds.

One person already being linked with the job is another former RFL employee Sally Bolton, who as general manager oversaw a highly successful Rugby League World Cup in 2013 and recently quit as managing director of 2017 London World Athletics Championships.

Solly, meanwhile, will now link up with Russell Crowe, the Hollywood superstar who part owns South Sydney, NRL champions just two years ago.

They became acquainted after Solly helped bring an expanded World Club Series to fruition, one of his main achievements as Super League general manager, and Souths visited the UK last year to defeat St Helens and win the inaugural event. Souths also, of course, boast England international Sam Burgess and his two younger twin brothers George and Tom on their payroll.

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Solly, who was a solicitor in Leeds having initially visited the UK in 2004 on a “working holiday”, began his career with the RFL in 2009 as the governing body’s compliance manager.

Three years later, he was made the RFL’s director of standards and licencing before Super League’s clubs voted for him to become their full-time general manager.

Generally, they have been impressed by his ability with Solly’s reputation growing, especially after the competition’s switch to its new format last season which, after initially causing warring between clubs about its make-up, proved an instant success.

He will begin his new role at the Rabbitohs on May 17.

Solly said: “The decision to leave was extremely difficult but this is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the best clubs in rugby league.

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“South Sydney Rabbitohs are a powerhouse on and off the field, the most successful club in NRL history with a passionate fan base and extremely strong board,” he said.

“It will be tough to leave a great group of people at the RFL and Super League and I would like to thank the staff, clubs and fans for their support.

“The competition is in great shape, and in a strong position to grow quickly in the coming years. However, the time is right to return with my family to Australia after over 11 years in the United Kingdom.”

Huddersfield Giants see Kyle Wood return and add Tyler Dickinson and Sam Wood to their squad for tomorrow’s Super League visit from Warrington Wolves with Eorl Crabtree (abdomen), Larne Patrick (illness) and Gene Ormsby (ineligible).

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Castleford Tigers, meanwhile, have Grant Millington, Oli Holmes and Jy Hitchcox back from injury for their trip to Wigan.

Hull KR have handed new long-term contracts to academy products Matty Marsh, Kieran Moran and Joe Wardill.

Half-back Marsh, 20, who has started six of the Robins’ last seven Super League matches, has signed a new deal that will keep him at the KC Lightstream Stadium until at least the end of 2018.