The future is looking bright for the New South Wales Rugby League with the announcement of a number of key strategic management appointments led by Yvette Downey as Head of Competitions.
An experienced administrator at all levels of rugby league, Yvette returns to the NSWRL after a highly successful stint with Wests Tigers as their Community, Development, Welfare and Education manager.
Yvette will control the VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield through to the junior representative competitions.
“It’s a great appointment for the NSWRL with Yvette having guided many of our current stars from the early stages of their careers right through to the VB NSW Cup and into the NRL,” said NSWRL Chief Executive Dave Trodden.
“Yvette has a long history with the NSWRL. Add to that great experience from a development and welfare side as well to ensure our competitions are run to the highest standards which will be wonderful for rugby league in this State.”
And the good news doesn’t stop there with long-serving NRL Community Relations Manager Jodie Cross also joining the senior management team at the NSWRL.
Jodie has taken up a broad ranging community and commercial role to help ensure the success of the VB Blues continues to translate into growth for rugby league at all levels throughout New South Wales.
With senior UNSW Faculty of Law lecturer Deborah Healey having been previously joined the NSWRL Board these new management appointments will strengthen the input of women to the decision making and direction of the New South Wales Rugby League.
Veteran rugby league reporter Patrick Molihan has also joined the senior management team as Head of Communications and Media. Having covered seven Kangaroo Tours and 48 straight State of Origin matches, Molihan will ensure the VB Blues brand and code as a whole in New South Wales remains at the forefront in the minds of the sport loving public in this State.
VB Blues coach Laurie Daley has also added to his High Performance team with the appointment of UK performance analyst Brad Pryjmachuk.
The sports science graduate is a key member of England coach Steve McNamara’s staff for the current Four Nations tournament.
Formerly an analyst with England’s Rugby Football Union, Pryjmachuk has also worked with the Warrington Wolves.
