Trouble at the top as two execs ditch NRL players board
Two senior business executives have abruptly left the board of the body representing rugby league players as it continues its messy fight with the NRL over work conditions and control of funds.
Documents filed to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show former insurance executive Stuart Nelson and former Ampol executive Joanne Taylor have left the board of the Rugby League Players Association in the past eight days. Their exits, though unrelated, coincide with threats of a Dally M boycott and the planned cover-up of NRL logos on jerseys at this weekend’s matches.
Ms Taylor resigned before a July 19 board meeting, where accusations of conflicts of interest, collusion, and media leaks were thrown around the room. Mr Nelson, who was the subject of some accusations, tendered his resignation days later.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and RLPA chief Clint Newton are in a messy war over work conditions and control of NRL funding. Janie Barrett, Getty
The RLPA declined to comment, as did Mr Nelson. Ms Taylor was approached for comment.
Sources familiar with Mr Nelson’s departure, who spoke anonymously because discussions are private, said he strongly disputed claims he had colluded with Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo, or any associated parties with which he had a perceived conflict of interest.
The sources said he asserted his views about the dispute between the NRL and RLPA were independent, a position which not all board members agreed on.
Ms Taylor told the RLPA her resignation was to do with her commitments in her new role as managing director of Compass Australia, according to a person close to the matter. She said she would welcome an
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