The Maitland Blacks are a step closer to securing their long-term future at Marcellin Park after a special general meeting gave the committee the all clear to investigate all options and secure the best deal for the club.
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More than 70 club members attended the special general meeting at Marcellin Park on Wednesday night.
Blacks president Pat Howard said members were updated on the current state of negotiations with the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese and investigation on other possible sites.
"We spent about an hour discussing the various options available and members voted unopposed to give the committee authority to investigate purchase or lease arrangements at Marcellin or alternative sites or facilities," Howard said.
"We're in the process of setting up a meeting with the Bishop Bill Wright and Diocese CEO Sean Scanlon to further negotiations on Marcellin Park on whether that will be a long-term lease or purchasing it.
"It's very positive for the future of Maitland Rugby Club. Negotiations are going quite well for us to remain at Marcellin Park.
It's very positive for the future of Maitland Rugby Club. Negotiations are going quite well for us to remain at Marcellin Park.
- Pat Howard
"We'll investigate all options for the benefit of the future of Maitland rugby."
The general meeting also endorsed changes to the club's constitution to include the 1877 Club and Maitland Blacks Netball Club as official sub-committee of Maitland Rugby Club.
The Blacks have been planning a $1.2 million upgrade of Marcellin Park's facilities.
The plan includes lighting for night games and a 600 seat function room to generate on-going funds. A new southern grandstand was to include women's change rooms and a junior area.
