The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has today
announced the appointment of Clint Newton to the role of Chief Executive
Officer.
Newton has a long association with the RLPA, spending the
past four years as part of the executive team in the role of General Manager of
Player and Football Operations.
Newton was also heavily involved in the Association throughout
his NRL career – highlighted by his election as General President in 2013, and
his leading role in negotiating the 2013-17 Collective Bargaining Agreement,
including organising players to play an active part in that process.
Newton replaces Ian Prendergast, who will depart the RLPA
and return to Victoria with his family after a successful four and half years
leading the Association.
RLPA Chair, Dr Deidre Anderson, thanked Prendergast for his
immense contribution to the Association whilst also welcoming Newton to the
role of CEO.
“Firstly, I would like to thank Ian for not only his
outstanding service to the Association during his time as CEO, but also his
commitment to the role during this transition period – including helping us
work through the recruitment process,” Dr Anderson said.
“Ian, Daly (Cherry-Evans) and myself interviewed a shortlist
of impressive candidates for the CEO role, as part of a thorough recruitment
process undertaken on behalf of the RLPA Board.
“The RLPA Board and staff were unanimous in their support
for Clint leading the Association into the future.
“We believe Clint exemplifies the values of the RLPA and
that he will continue to advance the Association, building on the strong
platform which has been led by Ian in recent years.
“Clint has already shown great leadership during an
unprecedented time for the game, and I believe the RLPA and its members are in
excellent hands.”
Newton has advanced many areas during his time with the
Association, highlighted by his work as cochair of the Workloads and Balance
Committee, his position as the players’ representative on the Competition
Committee, and establishing minimum standards across all nations in the
international rugby league space.
The former Newcastle, Melbourne, Penrith and Hull KR forward
was also named a Life Member of the RLPA in 2019.
“It’s a great honour to be appointed CEO of the Rugby League
Players’ Association,” Newton said.
“Being presented with an opportunity to advance the game by
representing players means a significant amount to me and providing the male
and female players with a strong and respected voice is my priority.
“For the game to be the best it can be and reach its
potential, players will always need to be involved upfront in decisions that
impact them, and we must continue working together with all the major
stakeholders on a journey with shared objectives.
“On behalf of our staff and the entire playing group, I
would like to thank Ian not only for what he has done for the Association and
our members, but the role he has played in my development as a leader and
understanding the responsibilities that come with this position.
“His contribution to the game will never be forgotten and I
look forward to advancing on the robust platform that the RLPA team has
established in recent years.
“While this appointment is pleasing for me on a personal
level, the gravity of the situation that the game is currently facing is
significant, but the RLPA team is steadfast with their commitment to help
navigate the players through these difficult times.
“We will get through this together.”
Departing RLPA Chief Executive, Ian Prendergast, praised the
appointment of Newton.
“I can’t think of anyone more worthy of leading the
Association,” Prendergast said. “It has been an absolute privilege to work with
Clint during my time at the RLPA.
“We couldn’t have achieved what we have in recent years
without Clint’s passion and values-based connection with industry stakeholders
helping drive the approach.
“I have every confidence that Clint’s understanding of how
the RLPA can have a positive influence and properly represent its members will
ensure he is a successful leader of the Association.”
