Crusaders boss Rod Findlay makes public plea for players and staff - Rugby League
Rod Findlay, the chief executive of Crusaders, has pleaded with rival franchises, on August 2 to accommodate its players and staff in their clubs. This request came after the Crusaders had pulled themselves out of the Super League licensing process for the
next three years.
Crusaders had to withdraw out of the prestigious licensing process because it was facing financial constraints that had held them back from taking part in the Super League next year onwards. This decision was communicated to the squad members the very same
day, the announcement of the fourteen successful license holders was made.
This shocking news has jeopardised their players’ future as many of them had recently gotten their contract terms with Crusaders extended.
However, some of the Crusaders have confirmed their future employment already. This includes Jarrod Sammut and Hep Cahill. From the next season, Sammut will tag in with the Bradford Bulls and the forward – Cahill will start his term with Widnes Vikings.
The present captain of Crusaders, Clinton Schifcofske will retire from rugby league this September, as Crusaders’ three- year license of Super League will end.
Widnes is currently a second-tier rugby league club that has acquired the Super Rugby League License from 2012. Until now the Widnes-based club had played in the Co-Operative Championship.
Findlay requested the other rival franchises to offer support to his players and staff and stated, "Rugby league rightly prides itself in being a family sport. And I hope that other clubs are able to offer a lifeline to the players, coaching staff and off-field
staff. I appreciate that every other club has its budgets to work within but I would hope they would consider the Crusaders players and staff first when looking to recruit. Crusaders have a really strong team - on and off the pitch - and it would be a shame
to lose them from the sport.”
He also mentioned that if Crusaders’ players fail to find themselves their future employers, it will be acknowledged as a huge loss to the world of rugby. It was stressed upon by the chief that the Crusaders should be considered while other clubs are making
their latest inductions, as Crusaders are valuable assets to rugby.
He further added that due to the global recession, which is widespread, there are very meagre chances of finding reasonable employment in other alternative industries. Branding it as a family sport, he said that this issue needs to be addressed in an attempt
to rule out the affect of the licensing decision which was taken by Crusaders’ management.
He further added that those Crusaders whose term with the club was stretching into 2012 should be given priority over the other inexperienced players.
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