23 May 2024

On 11 October 2023, the Board of Auckland Rugby League (ARL) passed resolutions suspending three directors. Two of the directors suspended, Pat Carthy and Greg Whaiapu, appealed their suspension to New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL). An NZRL Independent Appeals Committee has now heard the matter, concluding that the suspensions were invalid, because there were insufficient grounds to suspend the directors, the ARL failed to give the appellants sufficient information about the proposed suspension and a reasonable opportunity to respond (in breach of their rights to natural justice). The Appeal Committee also considered that the decision to suspend the appellants was affected by predetermination. The matter has been directed back to the ARL for further reconsideration in accordance with the NZRL Constitution.