Widnes Vikings can confirm that it was one of the 86% who voted to accept the IMG recommendations at today’s Rugby League Council meeting at the John Smith’s stadium in Huddersfield.
The recommendations to implement a grading system to rugby league were supported by a majority of clubs in each of the three professional competitions, and received unanimous support from the community game.
Head of Operations Chris Hamilton said: “Today was an important vote for the future direction of the game and, after spending time looking at what was proposed, taking time to consider the implications for both our club and the wider game, including meeting with Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the RFL and our colleagues from Halton Borough Council the Board took the decision that these proposals are the best way forward, for both.
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“Of course change, and these proposals are fundamentally different to what clubs and fans have been used to, can always be viewed negatively, but it has been made clear by broadcasters to those running the game, and in turn those running clubs, that change must happen if we are to try and get higher value broadcast deals moving forward which is vital to all clubs.
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“As a club we understand why there are some people against it but at Widnes we are looking to very much run with the new system, protect and sustain those areas where we are strong and really work as hard as we can to improve areas that we need to.
“It will be a challenge, of course, but one we look forward to meeting head on.
“We will be outlining some of the IMG proposals at next weeks Members Monday meeting but, at a date in the not too distant future, look forward to holding a fans forum for all Vikings supporters where we can explain in more detail all of the different elements to the new system and underline just how big a part in this new structure that our fans, sponsors and staff can play in helping move the club forward.”
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