BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinksi has branded opposition to IMG’s proposal as “old self-interest”, as the sport gathers for a vital vote today.
The RFL Council will meet in Huddersfield on April 19 for a crucial vote on whether to accept IMG’s club grading criteria that has been created.
It has been reported that Super League clubs Wakefield and Castleford may vote against IMG, while it is believed the likes of Hull KR, Salford and Warrington are supportive.
Featherstone, Batley and Keighley have gone public against IMG grading, but rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands there are League One clubs and community members of the RFL Council who will vote in favour of the marketing giant’s plans.
Wigan boss Radlinksi believes the majority vote needed will happen, but has questioned those in opposition to IMG.
“I think it will pass – perhaps not as a landslide but enough to get people excited,” he told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“We just need to move forward with it now and start talking about all the positives currently. There is a good feel about things at the moment.”
Asked about those voting against IMG, Radlinksi replied: “It is back to the old self-interest. One of the main reasons that we support IMG is the fact that it is an independent decision led by market leaders in sport.
“Why would we agree to a 12-year partnership and then not back what they suggest?
“There was actually no reason to bring them in if we did not have the intention of backing their way forward.”
