Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) are excited to announce a number of changes to their Board of Directors for the 2021 season.
At their Annual General Meeting, the PRLMO announced Silvio Del Vecchio had been returned as Chairman for a further year.
Silvio Del Vecchio has been returned as the Chairman of the PRLMO (Photo Credit: ABC News)
“I feel truly privileged to be able to continue to serve as Chairman of the PRLMO,” Del Vecchio said.
“2020 was an incredibly tough year. I am proud of the way our members conducted themselves in the various challenges they faced, and very much look forward to ensuring they continue to have a voice in the future.”
Deputy Chairman Mike Eden stepped down from his role prior to the AGM to allow new and passionate advocates to pursue the interests of match officials. Executive Officer Paul Holland and Board Member Shannon Byrne also stood down from their respective roles.
“It is important to get fresh blood and fresh ideas formulating policy and actions,” Holland said.
Del Vecchio could not speak more highly of the contribution made by all three, as he thanked them for their service to the PRLMO.
“Mike, Shannon and Paul have each served the PRLMO and its members tirelessly over a number of years,” he said.
“They have been there through the highs and the lows. I am truly grateful for their hard work and commitment and I know our members appreciate their efforts. We wish them every success for the future.”
Martin Ryan, a long-term Director on the PRLMO Board, was elected as the Deputy Chairman for 2021, while former NRL match official and current Board Member Rohan Best was elected to fill the vacant Executive Officer role.
Three new Directors will join the PRLMO Board, bringing vast knowledge and experience from their diverse backgrounds.
Matthew Rodwell will join the PRLMO Board (Photo Credit: Herald Sun)
Former first grade player Matthew Rodwell will join the PRLMO, having previously been the CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA). Rodwell played close to 200 first grade games in Australia and England and has also worked as an expert commentator. He is currently the General Manager of a large Australian insurance company, having forged a remarkable track record of operational and commercial excellence in business since his playing career ended.
Speaking on the appointment Rodwell said, “It’s an honour to join the Board of the PRLMO and to be able to assist the match officials, who are such an important stakeholder in our game.
“I am hoping to add some value around building a professional, respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with the NRL relevant to the dedicated and committed squad of match officials.”
He will be joined by Jessica Macartney, a specialist in health and wellbeing, sport, education, media and public relations. Macartney has incredibly close ties to the game, having formerly worked in roles with the NRL and Men of League Foundation.
Jessica Macartney with former NRL player Joel Thompson at a recent mental health workshop in Forbes (Photo Credit: Forbes Advocate)
“It is a great privilege to join the PRLMO Board and support the invaluable contribution the match officials make to our great game,” Macartney said.
“I am looking forward to bringing my background in mental health and well-being, as well as my existing connections with rugby league to further strengthen the PRLMO.”
The final vacancy will be filled by the current Chair of Police Bank and CEO of the Workers Health Centre, Peter Remfrey, who brings a wealth of experience from his long career in industrial relations.
Remfrey spent a considerable part of his professional career as Secretary of the Police Association of NSW. He is an experienced advocate, with a sound working knowledge of the legislation underpinning both the NSW and National industrial relations systems.
“I am honoured to be appointed to the Board of the PRLMO,” Remfrey said.
“Referees are integral to the success of the game, so attracting and retaining elite match officials is essential.
Peter Remfrey is the current Chair of Police Bank and served as the Secretary of the Police Association NSW for over 20 years (Photo Credit: Police Bank)
“I look forward to contributing to ensuring they are respected and treated fairly.”
The changes to the PRLMO Board of Directors come at a crucial time for match officials and rugby league, as the game looks to emerge from a season that was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various implications it delivered.
Member welfare will be a focus for the PRLMO, as they move towards a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with the NRL at the end of 2022.
