The Daily Telegraph today published an article about the NRL's Head of Game Strategy and Development, Shane Richardson which contained numerous errors.
The article suggested Mr Richardson had been inactive during the last 12 months while putting together his whole of game strategy. In fact, in the course of compiling the strategy, Mr Richardson consulted regularly with all 16 NRL clubs as well as the States and the Rugby League Players Association. Importantly, he met with a host of current and former players, coaches, officials and other parties to help come up with the best options for the future.
In all, Mr Richardson made more than 200 presentations and had literally hundreds of meetings with key figures in the game in developing the strategy. He presented regular updates to the Commission.
The article suggests that the blueprint has been rejected by every club in the NRL. This is not true.
The strategy has many parts – most of which are supported by the clubs. The NRL will continue working with the clubs and States on the blueprint over the next month before landing on a final position.
The suggestion in the article that Mr Richardson was "told the gig is over" at the NRL is not only untrue but offensive.
Mr Richardson remains highly regarded by the NRL and the Commission who are sad to see him leave. He has enormous expertise and experience in the game which was highly valued at the NRL.
Finally, the estimated salary figure in the article is wrong.
