Warriors seal deal
The sale of the Warriors has been announced.
The Auckland-based NRL club has been sold by Eric Watson’s Cullen Investments to the Carlaw Heritage Trust and Autex Industries. The parties said the sale price was confidential.
The Carlaw Heritage Trust effectively represents Auckland Rugby League. While the trust is an independent body, the ARL is its sole beneficiary. They are both chaired by Cameron McGregor, Cameron McGregor, chairman of Carlaw Heritage Trust
who is expected to replace Warriors executive chairman Jim Doyle.
Doyle and all fellow directors other than chief executive Cameron George are stepping down, with the new owners to appoint a fresh board.
The trust will own 66 per cent of the Warriors with Autex Industries holding the other third.
McGregor said George and Warriors coach Stephen Kearney, the staff and team had the full support of both the new owners.
‘‘We have no plans to change or disrupt a winning combination,’’ he said.
The new owners would explore more creative ideas in helping the club to greater success. ‘‘We’ll start by taking a group to Australia to visit some of the more successful clubs across the ditch and see what we can learn from them.’’
The owners wanted to stem the flow of up to 800 talented young rugby league players every year to Australia and Britain, he said.
Watson acknowledged the support the club has enjoyed throughout his association and expressed the belief that the ownership change is in the best interests of the club.
‘‘The decision to sell was not an easy one and although I will always be a passionate supporter of the club, I believe the time is right to hand the club over to a new owner.’’
The ownership saga has been ongoing since last August, when Auckland businessman Paul Davys put in an offer of what was believed to be $15 million for the club.
Watson decided to sell to the Carlaw Heritage Trust rather than the American consortium led by Hawaiian Richard Fale.
After losing the last nine games in the 2017 season, Stephen Kearney’s side has enjoyed a stunning turnaround this year to sit third with a 6-2 record.
George’s position is expected to be safe until at least the end of the season. However, Brian Smith’s role as general manager of football could be in jeopardy if former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe, who has been involved in the trust’s bid, takes a hands-on role.