By STEVE MASCORD

NRL bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo have moved to clarify their relationship with the RFL and its returning chief Nigel Wood after predictions the Australians would not deal with the current British administration.

On March 1, Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson – an adviser to League Central in it’s dealings in the UK – told this publication: “If anyone believes that the NRL will be involved with the so called ‘new’ regime they are kidding themselves”. The comments come after the RFL’s previous chairman, Simon Johnson, was deposed and multiple directors departed.

But an interview with rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads, chairman V’landys and CEO Abdo attempted to clear the air when asked about their attitude towards Wood and his regime.

“Ultimately it doesn’t really matter, the personalities,” said Abdo. “We want the Super League to do well. We want the international game to do well so we’re going to look for ways in which we can collaborate more.”

V’landys elaborated: “It’s fine – Nigel was a great host at the first (Ashes) game.

“We’ve got no problem against Nigel personally. I mean, he’s a nice guy. He always has been a nice guy.

“No, there’s no tension there whatsoever. We may not agree on the way forward. That’s no secret.

“But at the moment, he’s in charge. You’ve got deal with what you’re dealt with.”

V’landys said Richardson’s opinions on the wider situation were valid but as the governing body in Australasia, the NRL had a responsibility to be diplomatic.

“Look, Shane Richardson is one of those guys who wants it to succeed,” the ARLC chair said. “He wants it to be successful so he’s probably more passionate than most and I love that.

“That’s the way you’ve got to be but we’ve got to take a little bit more conservative approach.”

Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix