HSG and Knights Members Board in positive meeting
Tuesday 18 December 2012 12:42 PM
Troy Palmer, Matt Gidley and Wayne Bennett met with the Knights Members Board last night to answer questions and provide information on any issues they felt important to the on-going running of the Knights.
The key points discussed were the impressive list of successes and massive growth the Knights had achieved off the field with membership, merchandise, attendance and sponsorships and of course the off-season signings to boost Wayne Bennett's squad for 2013.
Whilst the massive cash injection up front was required to extinguish the $6 million debt that HSG inherited, help build the state of the art training facilities and further financial investment into youth development, the Members Board also sought clarification from Group CEO Troy Palmer that there was adequate funding for the Knights to continue on its strong regrowth and development.
The Members Board also requested better communication by meeting regularly and open and transparent reporting.
Whilst this was assured, and that all existing debts would be soon extinguished, a key point of concern in the community was around the change to audit dates to confirm the key milestones.
Sadly, some sections have misrepresented these changes and a note of explanation from the Knights’ auditors for the past 13 years is attached.
In brief, the note confirms the audit date for the Knights to have its milestones confirmed was December 15th, but this was naturally a conflict to audit for the full year to 31st December and so had mutually been changed to 21st January each year.
Unfortunately, this message had not been clearly highlighted and some had mischievously promoted it as a change requested by HSG to simply delay the audit to restrict accountability.
Wayne Bennett and Matt Gidley emphasised the importance of working together and pushing in the same direction to ensure the best outcome on and off the field.
Loyalty was an important part of the Knights’ history and would be a critical part of the club's success in the future.
CLICK HERE to read the auditor's statement.