A report into New Zealand Rugby League has found that things have to change if the sport is to survive.
The independent review was ordered by Sport and Recreation New Zealand in a bid to secure the future of the sport in which New Zealand is currently the world champion.
The report chaired by Sir John Anderson has found that there is no shared vision for rugby league nationally and no meaningful Strategic Plan exists for the sport.
The NZRL has accumulated losses of 2.2 million dollars and now has no cash reserves, and they've lost support from key funding and sponsorship partners.
The review committee also found that 4 reviews undertaken since 2002 identified that significant changes were required, but evidence suggests many of the recommendations identified were not implemented by the Board responsible at the time.
The review committee says that if major goverance and structural changes are not made, the sport over time would be reduced to a localised social game.
The Board of the NZRL has agreed to adopt a new constitution at a Special General Meeting after which they will resign.
