Page 13 - Grassroots Issue 2 - Feb 2016

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Photo: Photosportnz/ David Rowland
Selwyn Pearson is no stranger to the rugby league
community. Selwyn, or Uncle many have come to know
him by.
The veteran rugby league administrator was made an
NZRL life member at last year’s annual meeting, but
wasn’t available to receive it at the time. He wasn’t that
keen to accept it at this years' NZRL Awards function
either.
“To be honest, I had reservations about this award in the
first instance,” admitted Pearson.
Then I spoke to a few people and they said I would be
insulting Akarana for nominating me, I would be insulting
the committee that recommended it go to the board and
also the board for endorsing it.
“I didn’t want to do that, but I need to tell you that rugby visible.”
league has done a helluva lot more for me than I have
done for rugby league.”
Pearson’s list of rugby league accomplishments in more
than 50 years includes:
- Auckland Rugby League chairman 1998-2000
- Auckland Warriors chairman 2000
- Auckland Rugby League special projects manager
2007-15
- Rugby League Development Foundation (completed 32
club facility reports for Auckland Council usage)
- Overseeing the construction for the NZ Rugby League
House
- NZRL chairman 2001-06
“I watch a fair bit of club football,” reflected NZRL
chairman Garry Fissenden.
“I can’t recall being at a game and not seeing Sel there.
“I don’t know how he does it, but he seems to be at every
club every week.
“Sel’s an amazing man, who has done a lot of amazing
things – a lot of them are invisible, a lot are actually quite
In addition to Pearson’s life membership, NZRL took the
opportunity to present a Distinguished Service Awards to
Auckland Rugby League's competitions manager Patrick
Carthy who has worked tirelessly to promote the game.
- NZRL
2016Issue 2 - February /