News Articles
12 November 2000
From News.com.au
12 November 2000
Hill: Souths lack support
By BARRY TOOHEY
12nov00
NRL chairman Michael Hill said
there had been no show of
support from rival clubs at an
official level for South Sydney's
reinstatement to the
competition following their court
defeat.
Hill said nothing had changed
since an NRL telephone hook-up
with club chief executives more
than a week ago.
"They were all asked to voice
any support whatsoever for
Souths and there was stoney
silence," Hill said. "Nothing has
changed that I am aware of
since."
Hill, originally a vocal supporter
of a 16-team competition when
peace was brokered between
the ARL and Super League, said
the agreement reached to streamline the premiership to 14 teams had
to stand.
'Everyone voted on a 14-team competition and clubs agreed to merge
on the basis of that agreement," he said.
Hill said the NRL would leave itself open to court action if the rules
were suddenly changed to accommodate 15 teams.
"Clubs who took the tough decision to merge to preserve their
identity and avoid the possibility of being excluded from the
competition would certainly have a strong case (for court action) I
would think," Hill said.
"Financially, there is also a pretty strong argument about the
competition being able to sustain 15 clubs."
One club which will be represented at the rally today is the Sydney
Roosters. A group of Roosters officials will attend on behalf of the
club, including former South Sydney great Ron Coote, who is now on
the Roosters board.
Souths president George Piggins said he was likely to meet with NRL
officials this week.
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