Super League clubs never been more united, says Wakefield boss Michael Carter

Drew Darbyshire

Wakefield chairman Michael Carter says clubs have never been more united following Super League’s appointment of Robert Elstone as chief executive.

Robert Elstone was unveiled to the rugby league media for the first time on Tuesday after spending a week in his new role of chief executive.

And Trinity owner Carter believes Elstone will improve the sport in all areas.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Robert back to Super League.

“Having spoken to him on numerous occasions, he shares my passion for the greatest game, and fully understands the task that awaits him. For this, he has my total support going forward. His proven background at the highest level of professional sport in this country can only bode well for the game of Rugby League. In all my time involved in the governance of the sport, the clubs have never been more united, and all welcomed the appointment of Robert into our sport. We all share the drive to see our sport improve in quality, performance and value.

“To achieve this, we needed someone to lead from the front, and ultimately deliver what we all strive for – a flourishing sport. In Robert, I firmly believe we have found the man who can deliver this. Super League is the product that can deliver benefits to the game as a whole. It is by far the biggest commercial driver and funder of our sport. It needs to be focussed upon to deliver better results that will benefit the wider game. I do not believe this has happened in the recent past.

“There are many challenges that await the sport in the coming months, but constructive talks with the RFL have, and will continue, to take place. There is still a massively important role for the RFL to play. However, these must remain professional and sensible.

“We have a fantastic sport. Too often we talk it down instead of up. Yesterday, with the announcement of Robert, it was a massively positive day for the sport, and I know, that all that interviewed Robert were impressed by his vision for the game. We need to support him unequivocally so that Super League, and ultimately the entire sport, can maximise its potential.”