"It wouldn’t be a footy season without boardroom drama at Canterbury Bulldogs.
Veteran director Gary McIntyre has been disqualified from this weekend’s Canterbury League Club ballot by the returning officer for failing to declare he had been previously banned as a director.
McIntyre was embroiled in the club’s 2002 salary cap scandal and prohibited from being a board member until four years ago.
He was then voted on as an independent after declaring past indiscretions. This time, he failed to, ruling him ineligible.
With McIntyre a late scratching, the son of Bulldogs legend Steve ‘Turvey’ Mortimer is challenging for a position as an independent.
Andrew Mortimer is an impressive candidate with a strong history and expertise in sales.
“I’ve always been passionate about the footy and league club,” Mortimer said.
“I want to help the club continue to grow.”
Former Director of Bulldogs Rugby League Club Gary McIntyre. Picture: Craig Greenhill
The challenge for licensed clubs these days is building revenue away from poker machines.
“There’s always pressure from governments on pokies money and we need to keep looking at new revenue opportunities,” Mortimer said, “I’ve got a few ideas around that.
“My interests are long term for both the league and footy club. To help ensure the long-term security and future of the club with different strategies to bring in other revenue.
“The pokies are the engine room but all clubs are looking at other alternatives.”
The League Club elections will not have an effect on footy operations.
However, following the recent dismissal of popular footy club chairman John Khoury, there are suggestions members will call an EGM if the NRL side continues to struggle.
The new chairman Adam Driussi was placed into the position in a boardroom coup to replace Khoury despite never being elected as a director at a members’ ballot."