Rugby League Independent Commission

[DIEHARD]

NRL's new independent commission to be launched in April, four-man panel to decide eight commissioners

The NRL's long-awaited independent commission will officially be up and running within 10 weeks.

In a historic move, News Limited has placed an April 30 deadline on exiting the game it has half-owned since the Super League war in 1990s.

The new commission - and NRL CEO David Gallop - will have total control over the next television contract.

Four of rugby league's most powerful figures have been chosen by News Ltd and the ARL to choose the eight commissioners charged with driving the code's biggest administrative shake-up.

The four men - ARL chairman John Chalk, News Limited chief operating officer Peter Macourt, QRL director Terry Mackenroth and Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas - will meet this week.

Pappas was invited onto the four-man panel by News to represent the 16 NRL clubs.

The panel will decide on the inaugural commissioners - the independent governing body to take over the game at all levels and make the crucial decisions on expansion and a potential $1 billion TV deal.

The television talks will involve the country's most powerful businessmen, with indications Channel Ten part-owners James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch will be entering a bidding war to win the rights from Channel Nine.

News Limited newspapers have reported the inaugural chairman of the commission is likely to be a Queenslander.

Former World Cup winger John Grant, an old team-mate of Wayne Bennett at Brisbane Souths, is being pitched for the job by influential figures.

The other near certain commissioner is highly regarded former TAB boss Warren Wilson. He is a former player and narrowly missed out on the Brisbane Broncos chief executive job to replace Bruno Cullen.

Wilson's expertise in the gambling industry is seen as a vital asset at a time when the game faces match-fixing issues and the right to charge the bookmaking industry for using its intellectual property, which is worth an estimated $25 million a year.

A possible role for former ARL boss John Quayle shapes as the biggest sticking point.

His name was not on the original list of 130 supplied by leading international recruitment firm Spencer Stuart, who were commissioned by the ARL and News to provide a framework for the selection process and identify a short-list of potential candidates.

Quayle's name has since been added among extra nominations from the ARL, NSWRL, QRL and the 16 NRL clubs that will go to the four-man panel.

Gallop has welcomed news that the formation of a commission was getting closer.

"News has been committed to exiting the game for some time," Gallop said. "Everyone needs to get the detailed work in that done properly. That's normal business practice.

"In the meantime, it's important that we focus on what should be one of the most outstanding battles for the premiership the game has seen. Fans at all clubs are champing at the bit for it to start."

Under the historic agreement, News is transferring its half-share of the game to the ARL, which is being restructured under a new constitution as the ARL Commission, bringing in the eight commissioners, the NSWRL, the QRL and the 16 NRL clubs as new members.

Once the panel of Macourt, Chalk, Pappas and Mackenroth determine the final eight names, approaches will be made to sound out interest and availability.

In the meantime, the constitution for the new commission is close to finalisation.

Work is also underway on two other important documents - a deed of dissolution for the existing NRL body and a members agreement, formalising the commission's relationship with the respective leagues; allowing continued funding for grassroots and bringing sponsorship, marketing and business plans under the control of one body.

Work is also about to start on the transfer of contracts, including those involving broadcasters and sponsors, from the existing NRL board to the new commission.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[GoldCoastTitans100]

This Independent commission is not going to do anything.

It is all talk they say things will change but it's not like News Limited will hand over control.

It will not help the game

[DIEHARD]

I think if News Ltd wanna backflip they will have to answer to the entire weight of the game.

[GoldCoastTitans100]

I think if News Ltd wanna backflip they will have to answer to the entire weight of the game.

Im saying the Independent Commission will happen but News Limited will still run the show.

It is just a attempted to convince people that the NRL is changing.

[Ryan]

Im saying the Independent Commission will happen but News Limited will still run the show.

It is just a attempted to convince people that the NRL is changing.

Pretty big attempt for just a smoke screen, why go to all the trouble just to replace name badges?

I think what has already publicized is enough to expect decent changes, can't wait to see the flow on effects. Good to hear Packer is waiting to open his cheque book. Bring it on!

[GoldCoastTitans100]

Pretty big attempt for just a smoke screen, why go to all the trouble just to replace name badges?

I think what has already publicized is enough to expect decent changes, can't wait to see the flow on effects. Good to hear Packer is waiting to open his cheque book. Bring it on!

Well the plan is working if everyone believes it
Ill believe it when i see it tbh

Just think about it why would News Limited give up control it does not make any sense

[DIEHARD]

NRL clubs demand an anti-war pact

THE march towards the game's inaugural independent commission has hit another potential roadblock as NRL clubs seek a written assurance from News Limited that there will be no repeat of the Super League war.

The Australian understands the clubs have asked News Limited (publisher of The Australian) to sign a non-compete clause as part of its exit from the game, basically stopping the media giant from forming a breakaway competition similar to Super League, which split the sport more than a decade ago.

News has said it is willing to discuss the issue provided it is on normal commercial terms. And therein lies the problem.

It is understood there has been no suggestion of financial recompense for News in return for signing a non-compete clause. Furthermore, News privately argues no other media company has been asked to provide such assurances.

"We're open to discussing a non-compete on normal commercial terms if somebody gives us a sensible commercial rationale for why it is required," a News spokesman said.

"If it becomes a snag, it certainly won't be through anything that News does."

The Super League war ravaged the code in the 1990s, sending players' wages sky-rocketing and driving a wedge between clubs and officials. No one made more money, however, than the lawyers. A raft of legal battles preceded an eventual peace deal, under which the game was united and News was handed a 50 per cent share in the NRL.

As part of the formation of the independent commission, News will hand over that 50 per cent share to a 26-member body made up of the 16 NRL clubs, the NSW Rugby League, the Queensland Rugby League and eight commissioners.

The official handover date has been set for April 30, by which time officials hope to have selected the inaugural commissioners. Although the agreement has been struck between the Australian Rugby League and News - the game's current owners - the clubs have been given significant say in the commission's formation. Club chairmen met in Sydney yesterday, before the NRL season launch, where the issue of a non-compete clause was again discussed. Although it is believed the issue isn't significant enough to derail the commission, it represents another snag in a drawn-out process.

Consultancy firm SpencerStuart is in the final stages of putting together a short list of candidates for the commission after receiving recommendations from News, the ARL, the QRL and the clubs last week.

The list had been whittled down to about 60 but is expected to be culled further before a short list is in place by the end of the week. Prospective commissioners will then be approached from next week, with interviews to take place before the final appointments are made.

The commissioners will then attend an information day where they will examine the state of the game and its challenges.

The most pressing issues are widely regarded to be the next broadcasting deal - talks are expected to begin as soon as the commission is formed - and expansion.

As many as six regions are vying to enter the premiership in 2013, although it is understood the majority of clubs are opposed to increasing the size of the competition before 2015.

While News and the ARL have the final say over commissioners, the QRL and the clubs have been given the opportunity to put their views forward as part of the process.

A host of names have already been linked with the commission, including former Tabcorp head Warren Wilson, former Billabong chairman Gary Pemberton and former Australia forward John Grant, now a respected member of the IT community.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au

[C-Whiz]

NRL clubs demand an anti-war pact

THE march towards the game's inaugural independent commission has hit another potential roadblock as NRL clubs seek a written assurance from News Limited that there will be no repeat of the Super League war.
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au

This has always been in the back of my mind. A media company doesn't just walk away from one of the country's highest rating media drawcards and ask for nothing in return.

Ive always felt that News Limited have always been trying to de-value the game, instead of using their significant muscle to promote it and build it.

And let's not pretend there aren't a lot of bruised ego's and sore losers out there still fuming they missed out on getting SL up and running as an alternative competition. Mr Ribot, for one.

I would love nothing more than seeing RL be run with no ulterior motives than providing the most opportunity for the fans, the players, the media networks, all working towards promoting and producing the best possible outcomes, but quite simply I don't trust News Limited when it comes to the best interests of Rugby league. They have bad form.

However, i do look forward to seeing the game break away from it's shackles and find the dizzy heights it's always been looking and able to achieve. And I look forward to getting the full draw in February so I can plan my year in advance!

[DIEHARD]

Quayle still in contention as independents' day arrives

FORMER Australian Rugby League chief executive John Quayle is still in line to be an inaugural member of the independent commission as officials today are expected to finalise their preferred candidates for the eight prized positions.

The Australian understands Quayle is among the 30 or so names which will be discussed by representatives of the game's four stakeholders -- the ARL, News Limited (publisher of The Australian, the Queensland Rugby League and the 16 NRL clubs.

Also on the list -- compiled by consultant Spencer Stuart -- are former Australia forward John Grant, now a respected member of the information technology community, former Billabong chairman Gary Pemberton and ex-federal police commissioner Mick Keelty.

One person not among the final 30 is James Cook University vice-chancellor and president Sandra Harding, who was ruled out of contention when she accepted a position on the North Queensland board this week.

The final decision will be made after consultation between ARL chairman John Chalk, News Limited's Peter Macourt, QRL board member Terry Mackenroth and South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas, who is representing the clubs.

While the decision on the eight commissioners is a significant moment for the game, it isn't the only hurdle remaining. It is believed the ARL is still working out how to deal with a series of payments made to the game more than a decade ago by Channel Nine, News Limited and Optus.

The payments -- totalling $12.5 million and revealed in The Australian last month -- were made to help ARL-loyal clubs get back on their feet after the Super League war. It is believed Channel Nine and News have forgiven the debt, but the ARL was unsure how to handle the Optus payment.

The money only became an issue in recent months, prompting Queensland officials to suggest a full audit of the ARL's accounts. However, it is understood they have since softened their stance.

The haggling over how to handle the payments, and ongoing angst from the NRL clubs over wanting News Limited to sign a non-competition clause, remain the biggest stumbling blocks to the commission's formation.

The commission can't come fast enough for the clubs and research into the financial reports of the respective 'RLs' explains why.

The NSW Rugby League's financial report for 2010 showed the body had revenue of more than $10 million and assets of $5.4m, including $883,000 cash. The QRL was even better placed, with assets of $7.5m, including $3.9m in cash -- a figure that was well down on the previous year.

Its revenue was about $10.1m.

The ARL's revenue was more than $24m. It had $9m worth of assets, including $2m in cash. Between them, the three major RLs had revenue of more than $40m last year and retain assets in excess of $20m. In cash alone, they have nearly $7m put away.

It's that money which the clubs believe could help their financial situations under the commission. When the commission is formed, it is expected the respective RLs will be forced to apply for funding.

Rather than direct money to the cashed-up RLs, the commission may decide it would be better served directing money to its cash-strapped clubs. That decision will fall to the eight commissioners selected today.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

April fools threaten rugby league independent commission

RUGBY league's much-heralded Independent Commission could collapse spectacularly today amid fears that key figures are ignoring quality candidates to hand-pick their mates.

The Daily Telegraph was told last night that News Limited is primed for a hostile meeting with ARL figures and representatives from international recruitment agency Spencer Stuart over the make-up of the game's commission.

Ironically, it was today - April 1 - 16 years ago that the ARL and News Limited went to war over Super League.

A list of 30 candidates will be formally revealed today by Spencer Stuart, with News Limited and the ARL to vote on the merits of each person.

News Limited officials privately fear the ARL will try to "sneak in their mates" ahead of more qualified candidates.

One source close to News Limited said last night: "If anyone plays silly buggers, the whole thing could collapse.

"It [hand-picking mates] isn't going to happen. The whole idea is to have a quality, independent commission - not to bring in your mates.

"It's been indicated to News that the ARL could push for their mates at the meeting.

"If the ARL say it is their way or no way, then News Limited will say no way.

"I have been told News will then reassess the alternatives of the commission."

Aside from Spencer Stuart representatives, the committee to discuss the eight-member commission will comprise ARL chairman John Chalk, News Limited chief operating officer Peter Macourt, QRL director Terry Mackenroth and Rabbitohs boss Nick Pappas, who is seen as independent.

There were suggestions the ARL faction could push for former ARL chief executive John Quayle to be a commissioner. But News Limited feels Quayle's appointment would be a "backward step".The Daily Telegraph could not contact Chalk last night to ask whether he anticipated any drama today.

NRL director Katie Page still has support - but is precluded from becoming a commissioner because she is an existing NRL director.

And it seems there is no need for any attempt to alter the rules allowing Page on to the commission - because she is not interested.

A friend of Page said: "They could beg her but Katie won't do it. She doesn't like playing political games. She has too much to do aside from worrying about all that silly stuff.

"Katie should have been on the commission.

"That way there would have been some experience from the current board taken on to the new commission."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

I want Quayle as a commissioner!

[DIEHARD]

'Collusion' threatens to derail commission

THE formation of rugby league?s independent commission is in jeopardy following claims that News Ltd and the Queensland Rugby League have conspired to push through their preferred candidates.

The issue will top the agenda at the next meeting of the NRL clubs? chairmen amid fears the clubs effectively will be blocked from having any say in the running of the game.

The Sun-Herald has been told that News and the QRL had secretly agreed to vote as a bloc to ensure that they continued to wield influence over rugby league under the new structure. News had pledged to withdraw from the game on April 30 but the fallout from the latest development could delay or even derail the formation of the code?s new governing body. News denied the claims it was colluding with the QRL.

Recruitment firm Spencer Stuart has been charged with finding the eight inaugural commissioners. A lengthy list of candidates is slowly being whittled down, with News chief operating officer Peter Macourt, ARL chairman John Chalk and QRL director Terry Mackenroth representing their respective interests and South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas representing the clubs. The quartet can make confidential objections to potential candidates directly to Spencer Stuart and the list of names is a closely guarded secret. However, a source close to negotiations claims News?s fingerprints are all over the process. There are fears that negotiations could collapse if the clubs band to oppose the move. ??There is a suspicion that some names dropped off the list - and others stayed on - because some people were getting their heads together,'' the source said. ''It would appear that has happened.''

Asked if he was referring to collusion between News Ltd and the Queensland Rugby League, the source replied: ''Yes.''

He added: ''The game is about everybody but, at NRL level, it's mostly about the 16 clubs. It defies understanding that the 16 clubs should not have the principal say in who is running their game.

''If you were selling your business, you would never sell the company and then reserve the right to appoint the directors after you've gone.

''That's just lunacy.''

Several disgruntled club chairmen will raise the matter when they next convene, most probably before the end of the month. News had previously been a vocal critic of the ARL and QRL, claiming their intransigence was responsible for delays in forming the commission.

''Some people from the clubs will be ****ty at the proposition that others are telling them who they can and can't have to run their game,'' the insider said.

News's director of corporate affairs, Greg Baxter, labelled the claims ''nonsense''.

''This whole process has been besieged by anonymous sources claiming to have all sorts of insights into this process,'' Baxter said. ''There has not been one assertion made [in the media] from one of these so-called anonymous experts that has come to pass.

''Lots of people have tried to influence the outcome of this process in an underhanded way and they have not been successful because the process is very well designed.

''When they've been called to account they haven't been able to deliver on the speculation.''

Baxter said News still hoped to pull out of the game in, or just after, April if the commissioners were ready to start work next month.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Balmain Tigers legend Wayne Pearce poised to join league's independent commission

BALMAIN Tigers legend Wayne Pearce is poised to join the NRL's independent commission as one of two former players on the game's new governing body.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the former NSW State of Origin skipper and coach will be joining Queenslander John Grant, the ex-Maroons and World Cup centre, on the commission when the names of the inaugural board members are revealed over the next fortnight.

Pearce was recently approached by recruitment firm Spencer Stuart, the company hired by the Australian Rugby League and News Limited to identify the eight commissioners.

The Daily Telegraph understands Pearce has accepted a position which will almost certainly force him to stand down from his high profile commentating role on Fox Sports.

The former Tigers star was a renowned cleanskin during his playing days and later went on to coach the Tigers and the NSW State of Origin side. He is in touch and aware of the demands on current players through his son Mitchell, the Roosters and NSW Origin halfback.

Pearce has also run a successful business in motivational speaking and corporate team building over the last decade.

Australian Rugby League chairman John Chalk refused to comment when asked about Pearce's appointment last night.

"We have all signed confidentiality agreements - I can't pre-empt anything," Chalk said.

"No-one is in a position to make any comment on the make-up of the commission."

Grant will be named as the inaugural chairman of the commission once the ARL and News Limited executives have agreed on final sticking points.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Rebellion against tour

SOUTH Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson has become the latest NRL boss to criticise a proposal for England to tour the southern hemisphere next year, declaring clubs will no longer simply rubber-stamp decisions made in "Singapore or Hong Kong".

The English Rugby Football League has proposed a six-week, six-match tour of Australia and New Zealand at the end of 2012, prompting a heavy backlash from clubs concerned over the workload on their elite players.

The clubs made their feelings known at a meeting with the NRL on Tuesday and it appears they will get their way, although the Australian Rugby League is contractually bound to play at least one Test at the end of every season.

Richardson praised the NRL for including the clubs in discussions and warned they would have a greater say in future decisions regarding international football, particularly when the independent commission came to fruition.

Sydney Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce and the Wests Tigers' Steve Humphreys have already gone public with their opposition to the tour.

"Gone are the days when the English tell us they are going to have a tour and we acquiesce to it," Richardson said.

"It's about protection of the players' interests.

"It's about protection of how many games they play. From the clubs' point of view, too many times in the past they have been taken for granted that they're just going to rubber-stamp things.

"Really that shouldn't happen. What was pleasing last Tuesday was that the NRL got us involved in discussions regarding it.

"Moving forward with the commission it won't be the way it was before, where decisions are made (by the Rugby League International Federation) in Singapore or Hong Kong without discussions with the clubs.

"It won't happen again."

The commission continues to make slow progress, although it is believed the inaugural eight commissioners and an announcement of their identity could be made within weeks.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

I'll be pissed off beyond belief if clubs believe they can influence the commission over reducing the priority of international rugby league..

The commission is for ALL of the game, nationally, grassroots, wheelchair, womens, social, masters and international.

If clubs had their way it's be all NRL competition.

I understand player burnt out issues but they also need to realise that there are more than one way to skin a cat. There is a critical need and appetite for international football.

That doesn't mean we need all NRL level players out there or first tier nations. We have lots of other players out there outside the NRL that would love to be involved.

If clubs are looking forward to a new era, they also need to understand that it will not be the past era of neglecting international football and self interest.

Sorry I trust many clubs in the NRL to make the right decisions, but I wouldnt say that would be the majority. Their views, experience, resources and interests absolutely need to be heard and given great priority. But it is GIVE and TAKE.

And that is why we need an INDEPENDENT commission, so they can take stock of all shareholders worries and make decisions accordingly.

On the flipside, yes I am well aware of the haphazard nature that international football is organisied. After the 2002 Mid Year test against the English where we killed them, the media said RIP INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE and many in our game seemed to be happy to agree. But if it wasn't for Wayne Bennett's voice of reason and leadership we wouldn't have had the Tri Nations which evolved into the Four Nations. And let's not forget the lunacy of cancelling World Cups indefinitely after the 2000 debacle. Thank god we now have a true blue World Cup cycle.

This tour down under needs to be properly planned, agreed upon and then supported. I dont want to see any desent during the tour if it happens. In no other sport would you see such rubbish.

And at the end of the day, I believe that some decisions should be made by the RLIF. But the ARLC NZRL and RFL should be heavily involved. I want the ARLC to be the centre piece of the RLIF.

Give us the World 9s, give us Pacific Cups, give us Kiwi Origin or Kiwis v Pacific Islanders, give us annual Tonga v Samoa Tests, move the Anzac Test to Anzac Day. Bring back proper Kangaroos and Lions tours. Invest heavily in Pacific rugby league. Bring in a PNG based QCUP team. Set up a RFL development arm in Australia to recruit eligible kids.

I'm not just saying this because I love international footy but because I also see it as a key component in our future growth, stability, relevance and also it is a powerful mark of differentiation against AFL. (All Stars, Kangaroos, World Cups, Four Nations, international footy, state of origin.)