Illawarra Rugby League has announced former Illawarra Steeler Nigel Roy as its new Operations Manager after an extensive recruitment process.
Roy played 157 NRL games with the Steelers and North Sydney before 108 first grade appearances with the London Broncos in the Super League. He comes with a wealth of experience in rugby league administration, most recently as the NRL Northern Territory Manager.
“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to come back to the Illawarra and help steer Illawarra Rugby League in the right direction,” Roy said.
“The region has a proud history of fostering grassroots participation as well as providing pathways to the NRL, something that I personally have experienced and look forward to improving on the great work already done.”
Steelers Chairman Graeme Gulloch was delighted with the appointment and excited to welcome an accomplished administrator to lead the organisation into a new and exciting phase.
“We are fortunate to be able to secure the services of Nigel as our new Operations Manager.
“Nigel is a proven and highly respected leader with experience at all levels of rugby league from grassroots to elite NRL relationships,” Mr Gulloch said.
Roy’s appointment follows the Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup increasing to an eight-team competition with the return of Helensburgh to the top grade and the addition of two teams from the Sutherland Shire – Cronulla Caringbah and De La Salle, joining Thirroul Butchers, Corrimal Cougars, Western Suburbs, Collegians, and Dapto Canaries.
Harrigan Motor Group puts Nigel in driver’s seat
Meanwhile Harrigan Motor Group is the new major sponsor of the Men’s Second Division Shield.
The partnership includes naming rights to the IRL’s Second Division competition, known as the Harrigan Shield, and will see Roy behind the wheel of a Ford Everest, powered by the Harrigan Motor Group.
The CEO of Harrigan Motor Group, Brett Elliott, said the sponsorship is about providing support to the local community in which it operates.
“Everyone has done it tough over the last two years as a result of the impacts of Covid-19,” Mr Elliott said. “We think now is the time to give back to those who have supported us by engaging with them and their families at a community level.
“The Illawarra Rugby League has a long and proud history with strong ties to our community. We are excited to join them at a time where they are reinventing themselves for the future under Nigel.”
Gulloch added: “We’re delighted to have the Harrigan Motor Group on board. This partnership is the perfect way for Harrigan Motor Group to reach an incredibly passionate rugby league audience, drive brand awareness and reach more of their core target audience.”
“In our discussions with the Harrigan Motor Group team, it became apparent that we shared similar goals and believe this is a partnership with great potential.
“We would like to thank Brett and his team for making a strong commitment to rugby league in the region by partnering with the IRL for 2022.”
The Harrigan Motor Group is a family-owned business, that has been selling and servicing New and Used vehicles in Illawarra and Moss Vale, and the surrounding area for over 115 years.