http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...near-agreement-on-funding-20111114-1nfl4.html
IC set for kick-off as clubs near agreement on funding
Glenn Jackson
November 15, 2011
THERE have been many so-called historic meetings since the independent commission was first touted, but today's might just be the most important. Representatives of all 16 clubs will meet the eight commissioners and are set to finally resolve the funding disagreement that has stalled the establishment of the new body.
While the independent commission has had many false starts, there appears to be a genuine feeling among the clubs that the stalemate will be broken today.
The NRL has offered the clubs an extra $500,000 above their original $3.85 million grant for next season, less than the $2.15m extra the clubs had demanded in lieu of the expected financial windfall from the next broadcast rights deal, but the clubs are believed to be ready to accept the new offer, which would allow the commission to be set up in a matter of weeks.
Advertisement: Story continues below
The independent commissioners, led by the chairman, John Grant, have endured a frustrating delay in recent weeks due to the funding issue. They had expected the commission to be in place by November 1, the day after the clubs' licences expired, yet they remain unable to do any official business - including, critically, the negotiations for the next TV rights.
While the ARL has supported the clubs' push for more funding, their co-owners, News Ltd, have baulked at the original amount demanded by the clubs.
But the media company is prepared to hand over control with a $500,000 increase in the annual hand-out. A small number of clubs have been reluctant to accept that counter offer so far but with the majority willing to do so, and the desperation for the commission to take place growing, they are expected to fall into line and sign their now-expired club agreements.
The importance of today's meeting is emphasised by the presence of interstate representatives rather than them having a phone hook-up.
Most clubs are content with the partnership committee's counter offer given the true extent of the television windfall remains unknown. The trick for the clubs has been balancing the need for more funding against the need for the commission to take shape, which would in turn create the funding.
Many clubs believe the new body, which has been in planning since midway through 2008, needs to happen as soon as possible to allow the commissioners to maximise the revenue. ''It's long overdue,'' one club boss said yesterday.
Grant has already expressed his frustrations over the delay, telling the Herald on November 1, the day he was originally expected to take office: ''We can't make true progress on the broadcast rights deal until the commission is formed. But those things will come to a conclusion.''
The clubs, as a complete group, are yet to meet with the commissioners, which will give today's lunchtime meeting at the NRL's headquarters extra historic value.
The meeting will also be attended by NRL's chief executive, David Gallop, who said yesterday: ''It's an opportunity for the commission and the clubs to hear each others' views. We're hopeful that the issues are getting resolved. Communication and appreciation of the financial realities of the clubs and the game will be the key to the current position, and the future.''
Once the funding issues are resolved, the formation of the commission will be a fait accompli.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-on-funding-20111114-1nfl4.html#ixzz1dgbxUEcD
