New chair has big shoes to fill in NRRRL

NORTHERN Rivers Regional Rugby League has a new chair, with Max Beecher named to take on the role for 2025 after the board met for its annual general meeting.

He takes over from Cudgen’s Mark Harrison, who has been the competition chairman since 2019.

Beecher is a Ballina Seagulls stalwart, having coached at junior and senior level.

He has also been club president and held a number of administration roles at the club

He steps in to the job having been on the NRRRL management team last year.

“I’ve always wanted to help and now is a good time for it to happen,” Beecher said.

“It’s a big job, the competition is in really good shape and hopefully that will make it easier.

“We’re moving to a new board structure (with NSW Rugby League) and I want to make sure it’s a smooth transition.”

“Ballina is in a really good place, too, so I’m comfortable in not being as involved there.”

Beecher paid tribute to Harrison, who navigated the NRRRL through bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The competition had to be split in half due to border closures during the pandemic and has since recovered to field 13 teams.

In his time, Bilambil and Tweed Seagulls have returned to the competition while others who had to sit out during pandemic years due to lack of numbers and financial stress are also back playing.

The representative teams have also had an overhaul at junior and senior level with a large talent pool to pick from.

Former NRL players Todd Carney, Michael Gordon and Jamie Lyon have also been part of the competition.

“He [Harrison] really kept things going, especially during the pandemic when we were one of the first sports to come back,” Beecher said.

“It recovered quickly and the competition is in really good shape now.

“I just want to build on that, let the clubs know what’s happening and make sure everyone is on the same page.”