Lancini move would be big loss
THERE’S little argument that the Cowboys are one of the state’s most iconic brands.
And recently appointed Cowboys board member Lewis Ramsay believes that has much to do with one man – Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini.
“Laurence’s contribution ( to the club) has been immeasurable,” Mr Ramsay said.
“I don’t think there would be a person known to me that could have made the contribution over such a sustained period in such a professional and prolific way as he has.
“It takes a very experienced and competent leader to lead an organisation like that given there is so much public scrutiny.”
The comment by Mr Ramsay, whose involvement with the Cowboys spans some 15 years, came after a report in the Weekend Australian that Mr Lancini was thinking of the time he hands over the reins. Mr Lancini said he could see the day when he allowed a fresh face to take over.
“I think it is time for me to step down,” he said. “I really believe it needs a new set of eyes.
“I will probably finish up next year. Part of me wants to stay at least until the new stadium opens.
“To me it is a bit of an era next year when Johnathan ( Thurston) leaves. Sydney clubs have been around for a long time but there is no doubt the Cowboys, the Broncos and the Melbourne Storm have brought a real point of difference to the competition.
“I have been really proud of this club for a lot of years but I have never been as proud as I have been in the last three or four weeks.”
Mr Ramsay said he hoped Mr Lancini stayed around for a long period of time.
“I think that it is a measure of the guy that he would never step away while the club wasn’t in a position to replace him,” Mr Ramsay said. “I think Laurence would make sure the club was in a solid position so that he could hand the reins over to someone else.
“He wouldn’t be leaving before, in his mind, the club was ready for that transition.”
Mr Ramsay said he believed the North owed Mr Lancini an enormous debt of gratitude for his work and leadership at the Cowboys.