Clubs gathering at Rugby League Central for the NRL's first Membership Summit have been told by chief executive Dave Smith that the decision to put members and fans first is one of most important the game will make.
The NRL's inaugural Membership Summit involves representatives from all clubs including chief executives, marketing and membership officials, states leagues as well as several international speakers: former Atlanta Spirit chief executive Dr Bernie Mullin, Seattle Sounders' Bart Wiley and Julian Jenkins, commercial director at Cardiff City FC.
Dr Mullin highlighted the importance of membership programs across the world at a time when global sporting codes were feeling pressure on attendances.
"The days of just expecting people to show their support for clubs by showing up for football matches are gone," Mullins said.
"Don't take your members or fans for granted, those sporting group that have are seeing a membership decline."
