New Zealand Rugby League is 'All Black' again

One of the country’s major sporting codes has reported another bumper surplus, as it scores a financial hat-trick.

In the 15 months to March 31 2012, reflecting a changed financial year, NZRL reported a better-than-expected surplus of $505,000.

This follows previous annual surpluses of $315,000 in 2011 and $158,000 in 2010.

Prior to that, NZRL reported losses of $1.7 million in 2007 and $200,000 in 2008, forcing a shake-up of the organisation and the appointment of current chief executive Jim Doyle in 2009.

NZRL chairman Scott Carter describes the result as “particularly satisfying” saying it gives NZRL the reserves it needs for the World Cup in 2013.

“We are constantly focused on operating within our means which requires us to build a reserve prior to each World Cup as, in the World Cup year, our income from international games is significantly reduced,” he said.

NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle credited the “extremely positive result” on hard work and careful management from his staff and fellow management.

“Not only have we achieved our required 2013 reserve in advance, we have at the same time increased our investment into continuously growing and developing our game and improving our brand in line with our ’GamePlan'.”

“We continue to see growing support from our numerous partners.

"With sponsors like Pirtek and Autex returning and new partners continuously coming on board we remain focused on delivering our many strategic initiatives, on and off the field, ensuring our sport is more than just a game,” Mr Doyle said.

The March 2012 result featured consolidated revenues of $7.1m, up from $5.91m in 2010.

NZRL generates income primarily from Kiwi test matches, SKY Network TV broadcasting rights, SPARC (now Sport NZ) funding, grants and commercial sponsorships with the additional income from last year largely attributed to the additional test match against Australia and an increase in commercial sponsorship.

The financial results also records that expenses also rose to $6.6m compared to $5.59m in 2011.

Mr Doyle says these expenses highlight more game development throughout the country, the new National Secondary Schools tournament, the on-going development of the National programmes, National Competition and the addition of New Zealand Resident 16s and 18s programmes.

However, he warns fewer international fixtures during 2012 and 2013 (excluding the RLWC), will mean lower income for the NZRL over the next couple of years.