NRL sacks Head of Commercial Paul Kind

The NRL has sacked one of its most senior executives, Head of Commercial Paul Kind, reportedly for breaching the Code of Conduct for NRL administration staff and "direct conflicts of interest".

In a statement released by the NRL, Chief Executive Dave Smith said the dismissal followed an internal investigation, with Smith explaining “our staff know the rules and must adhere to them at all times.”

Kind had been with the NRL since 2002, first in the role of Director of Commercial and Marketing and, since October 2013 as Head of Commercial. In this role he was responsible for all NRL revenue generation including broadcast rights, sponsorship, licensing, major events, stadium strategy and wagering partnerships. 

In an earlier email sent to staff, Smith had stated “we understand that for many of you, Paul has been a long-term colleague and staff member.

“However, the fact is all staff at the NRL must meet our professional obligations and high standards at all times.

“It is what our stakeholders and fans expect of us as we modernise the game – whether we're out on the playing field or here at Rugby League Central.”

When the independent commission to govern theNRL was created in 2011, an integrity unit was formed to ensure that the behaviour of players, officials and clubs was beyond reproach.

It might be assumed that this unit uncovered matters that led to Kind’s dismissal.

The dismissal comes just weeks before the start of what is expected to be a challenging 2015 season for the NRL.

Last year the code suffered a major ratings hit on television with audiences down by 3.6 million across Australia and New Zealand during the regular season.

It also failed to reach its crowd target of 16,500 per match for the regular season, recording an average of 15,900 people at each fixture.

The Sydney Morning Herald has highlighted the large turnover of staff in recent years, including former Chief Operations Manager Jim Doyle, salary cap Auditor Ian Schubert, Head of Communications John Brady, Community Relations Director Trish Crews, Media Managers Dave Taylor and Tracie Edmonson, and Public Relations Officer Anna Wallin.

Prior to the recent appointment of former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson, the NRL had been criticised for a perceived lack of rugby league knowledge within Rugby League Central.

The NRL has immediately begun a search for a new Head of Commercial immediately.

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