Michael Brown resigns from Rugby League World Cup role

In the wake of considerable criticism over the schedule for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC), Michael Brown has resigned from his post as Chief Executive of the organising committee as well as from his role as the NRL's Chief Commercial Officer.

While a statement from the NRL refers to Brown saying he wished to return to his home town of Melbourne, his departure from the tournament, which is just 15 months away, would appear to be related to criticism that Sydney will host just two pool games during the tournament.

Having been unable to secure backing to host more tournament fixtures from NSW Government events and tourism agency Destination NSW, the opening match will be held at Melbourne’s AAMI Park and the final to be held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

A series of other games will be held in New Zealand (in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington), Papua New Guinea and in Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Perth and Townsville.

According to media reports, Brown, who had successfully held the Chief Executive role for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, reacted angrily to reports that he had neglected Sydney’s west.

Announcing that Brown was reluctant to move on from the roles, the NRL statement advised that Brown felt “ the task of taking on two such senior roles - especially away from my home town of Melbourne - has been particularly stressful.”

In the statement he added “the World Cup preparations are well advanced and I am very confident the foundations are in place for a successful tournament.

“The NRL has also put together a strong commercial team to take the game forward so this an appropriate time to step aside.”

NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg and World Cup Chairman Dr George Peponis said they understood Brown’s positon and had accepted his resignation.

RLWC Chief Operating Officer, Maria Sykes will fill Brown’s shoes on acting basis while the 2017 RLWC Board  consider plans to replace him.

Image: Michael Brwon while Chief Executive of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

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