David Smith - ARL Commission CEO

[Sydney Titans Fanatic]

AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan has rejected the role as CEO of the NRL
foxsports.com.au

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys is leading a Steve Bradbury-like race to be the ARL Commission's new chief executive after No.1 target Gillon McLachlan rejected a big money approach to quit the AFL.

Rugby League's bold bid to poach AFL's second in charge came to a disappointing yet predictable end on Tuesday when McLachlan opted to remain Andrew Demetriou's understudy.

News of his rejection came via a press release just hours before the Dally M awards - rugby league's night of nights - was due to take place at Sydney's Town Hall.

Not even a reported $1.5 million-a-year carrot and the opportunity to work with rugby league's new riches courtesy of the $1.05 billion broadcast deal - was enough to lure McLachlan north.


The AFL's chief operating officer becomes the latest in a long line of candidates to knock back the ARLC's advances.

Already former TAB boss Warren Wilson, ex-NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle, respected Canterbury CEO Todd Greenberg and the man who is holding the position on an interim basis - Shane Mattiske - have ruled themselves out of contention.



ARL Commission chairman John Grant refused to discuss McLachlan's spurning of the rugby league's approach.

"This is an ongoing process and it is inappropriate to discuss anyone's position given the privacy and trust candidates have invested in the commission,'' Grant said.

"Making the right appointment for the future of the game remains our goal and given we're very comfortable with the way this continues to operate, we've not set ourselves any timeline to complete the process.''

The commission has been searching for a new chief executive ever since long-serving boss David Gallop sensationally quit in June - just four months into a new four-year contract.

Along with V'landys, there was a suggestion the ARLC may have also turned their attention to another AFL man - Essendon chief executive Ian Robson.

The ARLC had been hoping the poaching of McLachlan would deliver a double bonus - not only would it be getting a highly respected sports administrator but it would also be privy to many of their rival code's secrets.

Just last week Grant praised McLachlan's role in the AFL's continued growth in recent years.

Seen as the logical successor to Demetriou, McLachlan said he had unfinished business with the AFL.

"There is still much to achieve at the AFL as we continue to strategically position the code for ongoing growth in popularity and participation,'' he said in a statement.

Demetriou lauded McLachlan's retention.

"Gill has played an important role in many of the AFL's significant commercial outcomes in recent years and still has much to contribute to the AFL's future strategic direction,'' Demetriou said.

While he may be last-man standing, V'landys is far from a last-choice option for the ARLC.

His effort to beat corporate bookmakers in a landmark NSW High Court case that netted the racing industry $100 million in March won him many admirers within rugby league circles

[DIEHARD]

Well that was pretty embarrasing. AFL types should just be avoided in future.

Let's put in a person who loves Rugby League please. Hopefully with a holistic attitude to the game.

[Smakked]

It would seem no one wants this job candidates pulling out everywhere?
Not a good look for NRL

[DIEHARD]

Months and months without a leader is a disgrace. We could have at least treated David Gallop with respect and worked out for him to stay until the end of the season.

And those AFL bastards dropped that bomb on purpose on the day of our Dally Ms.

In future they can not be trusted, they are a breed apart. And this bloke is obviously an aspiring Vlad aka Deemeetriooo.

[DIEHARD]

Former V8 Supercars supremo Tony Cochrane keen on NRL's top job

THE man who turned the V8 Supercars into a $330 million empire has emerged as a shock candidate for the vacant role as NRL chief executive.

Crucially, Tony Cochrane yesterday admitted he is interested in becoming rugby league's top man.

A day after Cochrane rocked the motor-sport world by resigning as V8 Supercars' executive chairman, he said he was eager to continue his career in sport.

"I am very passionate about sport," Cochrane said. "And I would consider any role that would help a sporting organisation. I am certainly not retired and would not reject any role in sport without strong consideration."

The NRL remains on the hunt for a CEO after David Gallop's departure in June.

AFL second in-charge Gillon McLachlan rejected a reported $1.5 million a year deal to replace Gallop, while Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg also knocked back an approach from the NRL.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant has said a replacement will not be found before the end of the season, with interim boss Shane Mattiske, Essendon's Ian Robson, and Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys all reportedly in the running.

Cochrane, a former roadie and high school drop out, is considered one of the country's top sports administrators.

His company bought V8 Supercars for $52,000 in 1996 and transformed it into a $330 million business.

A heavy hitter, who founded Sports & Entertainment Limited (SEL) with James Erskine, David Coe and Basil Scafiddi, Cochrane has negotiated multi-million dollar contracts with governments, media companies and blue chip commercial organisations.

Last year, Cochrane orchestrated a $195 million partial sale of V8 Supercars to Archer Capital before overseeing the Car of the Future program which has seen Nissan and Mercedes join the series.

"I just thought the time was right to go," Cochrane said.

"Following the announcement of Mercedes the other day and with a race in Texas finalised, the sport is just in fantastic shape. I just felt it was time to move on and get ready for my next challenge."

Cochrane had previously expressed his desire to join rugby league, with the Gold Coast-based entrepreneur short-listed for a place on the ARLC before being rejected. Cochrane's name was put forward by News Limited officials, but he was knocked back by Queensland-based power brokers.

"I was certainly interested in the role," Cochrane confirmed earlier this year.

"But it wasn't to be."

SEL was also hired by the NRL as a buying agent for sponsors.

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

[DIEHARD]

CEO to be announced along with draw at 11am ADST. OR 10 AEST.

[Titanic]

David Smith of Lloyds

[Smakked]

no League background at all??
Does he even know what game it is?

[DIEHARD]

I think he looks impressive. Not sure about importing a CEO but we will see how he goes. If he was going to come from another country I'm glad it was Wales. Where RL had a proud history of stars and at least Union is more a working class game.

I hope he also places a focus on international rugby league. As a business man I'm sure he understands the need to be a multi national organisation and offer sponsors and partners a sport with as large a reach as possible.

I hope he makes an effort to dive into Rugby League and get up to speed.

But I am glad that we FINALLY have a boss!

[Chaos]

no League background at all??
Does he even know what game it is?

No League but a nice sporting background out of Wales...Rugby and Boxing.
A lot better then a Lawyer!

[DIEHARD]

No League but a nice sporting background out of Wales...Rugby and Boxing.
A lot better then a Lawyer!

David Gallop's glasses remain.

[GC_Titans_Fan]

Sick of people talking down Gallop. He did a good job in what was the most difficult job in Australia.

Dave looks very impressive. A very strong businessman who is also a fan, he doesn't need to know everything about League but I'm more then confident he'll take us forward as a business and grow the NRL.

[Titanic]

He comes with no Super League stigma, no club or state affiliations and a solid leadership background ... this one has every chance to be a winner.

[Titanic]

Personally, the combined attack by the Sydney Telegraph staff on Dave Smith's appointment is disgraceful to say the least. Admittedly he did make their journo's look like country bumpkins, and their chief hack Rothfield in particular, so they probably needed to reclaim some face.

I make the comment because in all fairness Smith is just a progression of a trend in rugby league to have professionals leading our professionals and that we, as a club, have endorsed that by the appointment of our own CEO. Ours is going fine and this bloke deserves a chance as well.

[gothabull]

Personally, the combined attack by the Sydney Telegraph staff on Dave Smith's appointment is disgraceful to say the least. Admittedly he did make their journo's look like country bumpkins, and their chief hack Rothfield in particular, so they probably needed to reclaim some face.

I make the comment because in all fairness Smith is just a progression of a trend in rugby league to have professionals leading our professionals and that we, as a club, have endorsed that by the appointment of our own CEO. Ours is going fine and this bloke deserves a chance as well.