The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has today announced the addition of three Player Directors to its Board – with Daly Cherry-Evans, Sia Soliola and Dale Copley appointed as casual vacancies.
The trio have
emerged through the RLPA’s Player Advisory Group (PAG) and Delegate structure,
utilising the leadership pathways that are now in place to progress into
Director roles within the Association.
Cherry-Evans and
Copley will attend the inaugural RLPA Leaders in League conference from
this Thursday, which will assist in further developing the current leaders
within the playing group.
All three new
additions have extensive experience in the game, with RLPA Chair Dr. Deidre
Anderson confident they will each add value in their own unique way.
“To have the
calibre of players such as Daly, Sia and Dale striving for greater involvement
with the Association is a great sign for the future of the RLPA,” Dr Anderson
said.
“All three
individuals have already established themselves as leaders within the game and
will add considerable value to the strategic direction of the Association.
“It’s important
that we have strong and committed individuals like Daly, Sia and Dale in these
roles who can properly represent their peers and help the Association continue
to deliver on its Game Plan objectives.
“On behalf of the
rest of the RLPA Board, I am pleased to formally welcome Daly, Sia and Dale as
Directors.”
Cherry-Evans, who
is captain of Queensland and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, said he was eager
to increase his involvement with the Association as a Director.
“A strong and
respected Association is beneficial not only for players, but for the game as a
whole,” Cherry-Evans said.
“Ensuring that the
playing group continues to have a voice on the key issues, whilst also having
access to adequate support, are some of the areas that I’m passionate about
further advancing.
“In my view, the
RLPA is in the strongest position it has ever been and I’m proud to be joining
the Board.”
Soliola, who
achieved success both on and off the field this year including receiving the
Ken Stephen Medal for his outstanding community work and playing his 200th
NRL match, said he looked forward to applying his knowledge in this role with
the RLPA.
“I’ve been in the
game for quite some time now and I think that I can give back to the collective
by providing guidance and advice to the RLPA,” Soliola said.
“Joining the Board
will be good for my professional development and hopefully I can also help the
RLPA continue to grow in coming years.
“It’s important
that we develop a respectful partnership between the RLPA and the NRL, as I
believe this will help Rugby League in the future.”
Copley echoed the
sentiments of his fellow Director appointees, while also outlining the
opportunity this position provides him to continue his personal development.
“I’ve really
enjoyed being part of the Player Advisory Group this year and engaging
consistently with the RLPA during my time as a Player Delegate,” Copley said.
“It has allowed me
to increase my understanding and appreciation for the role of our Association,
while also being able to provide genuine feedback on some of the key issues in
the game.
“The responsibility
associated with the role of a Director is something that I’m fully committed to
delivering on as I’m passionate about ensuring the RLPA continues to provide a
valuable service to its members.”
The RLPA
Constitution allows for the appointment of casual vacancies by the Board with
formal election by the members taking place at the Annual General Meeting –
which will be held in early 2020.
James Maloney’s and
Jeremy Latimore’s terms as Directors will formally expire at the next AGM, in
accordance with the RLPA Constitution.
RLPA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & LEADERSHIP
Deidre Anderson –
Chair
Ian Prendergast –
CEO and Managing Director
Daly Cherry-Evans –
Director
Dale Copley –
Director
Wade Graham –
Director
Jeremy Latimore –
Director (term will expire at the next AGM)
Pippa Leary –
Director
James Maloney –
Director (term will expire at the next AGM)
Nimesh Shah –
Director
Sia Soliola –
Director
Joel Thompson –
Director
Cameron Smith –
General President
