RL independence day arrives - NRL Independent Commission announced for November 1

[Rockin Ronny]

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.

One of those lawyers was David Gallop.
"independent"?? What a joke!

 

[Dogs Of War]

Damn the NRL clubs on this one. Both sides learnt a big lesson in the Superleague war, and there is no way that this situation would repeat itself in the foreseeable future.

Just another thing to drag the process out. Get on with it.

 

[applesauce]

I am sick of the clubs saying they don't want expansion. If done right it will give every club more money through the TV deal than any deal without expansion.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

This is what happens when you hand too much power to the clubs. If they get their way there will be NO expansion. Even if some clubs support having a new team or two the bulk probably won't. And even if they back new clubs they will probably want it pushed back to 2014 or 2015 as they have already suggested. Plus there is almost no chance they will support a long-term plan for further expansion for beyond 2015 that may include the likes of PNG.

As for this non-compete thing, I can't understand why the clubs would bother with this. Surely they can see that SL is not going to happen again. It only happened in the first place thanks to eight of the 16 existing clubs anyway so maybe they should just all sign a pact agreeing not to support any competing competition and leave News or any other organisation out of it.

 

[applesauce]

As for this non-compete thing, I can't understand why the clubs would bother with this. Surely they can see that SL is not going to happen again. It only happened in the first place thanks to eight of the 16 existing clubs anyway so maybe they should just all sign a pact agreeing not to support any competing competition and leave News or any other organisation out of it.

Exactly. Are they stupid or something?

 

[adamkungl]

Stupid move by the clubs. Waste of time.

 

[Billythekid]

Do the clubs actually want this to happen? Why are they wasting time with this BS.

 

[applesauce]

Commission shortlist cut to 20 final names
Brad Walter
March 11, 2011

THE shortlist for league's independent commission has been cut to 20 candidates after the final round of culling by representatives of News Ltd, the ARL, QRL and NRL clubs.

News Ltd chief operating officer Peter Macourt, ARL chairman John Chalk, QRL director Terry Mackenroth and South Sydney chairman Nicholas Pappas had until 3pm yesterday to voice their objection to any candidates on the list compiled by international recruitment consultancy Spencer Stuart. The initial list - drawn up by John Mumm, an Australian Rugby Union director, who is in charge of board services and CEO practices with Spencer Stuart - comprised 168 names but has been gradually whittled down by the four-man sub-committee of Macourt, Chalk, Mackenroth and Pappas.

The Herald was told that there were 40 names on the list before the final round of cuts but that number has now been halved. It is believed former BHP Billiton chairman and NAB chief executive Don Argus is one of those removed from the list because the bank was a sponsor of South Sydney and he has therefore been deemed to breach the eligibility criteria.

Under the terms of the deal for News Ltd and the ARL to hand control of the game to an independent commission, no one who has been involved with any club, league or media organisation for the past three years is eligible, ruling out the likes of former ARL chairman Colin Love, broadcaster Alan Jones and Harvey Norman boss Katie Page. It is unclear whether former ARL chief executive John Quayle is still in contention to be one of the inaugural eight commissioners. Mumm will now compile a final shortlist for consideration.

News Ltd has imposed a deadline of April 30 for the commission to be in place but other parties are keen for it to happen sooner.

It's a bit stupid for a "former" NAB chief executive to miss the cut... Fair enough if he was current. How can they claim him to be not within the rules, but Gallop the lawyer for News during SL aok?

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/commission-hits-125m-pothole/story-e6frg7mf-1226020015849

Commission hits $12.5m pothole

* Brent Read
* From: The Australian
* March 12, 2011 12:00AM

A SERIES of mystery payments to the Australian Rugby League more than a decade ago has emerged as the latest pothole in the path towards the game's inaugural independent commission.

The Weekend Australian understands ARL officials spent yesterday locked in meetings with lawyers as they discussed payments made to the game - believed to be from News Limited, the Nine Network and Optus - at the end of the Super League war.

It is believed the payments were about $12.5 million - $5m from News Limited and Nine, and $2.5m from Optus - and were made to help the code get back on its feet. Officials were made aware of the payments only recently.

It is understood the ARL has made informal approaches to Nine and Optus over the nature of the payments. ARL officials were tight-lipped yesterday, although chairman John Chalk confirmed some issues were being finalised by lawyers. "There are agreements from 14 years ago that are in the hands of lawyers," Chalk said.

"The lawyers are working through it. For me, there are no great dramas. We're all singing from the same hymn sheet."

The ARL and the clubs that remained loyal to it were ravaged by the Super League war. Over the past 13 years, however, the ARL and Queensland Rugby League have been able to slowly build up their bank accounts, with financial reports suggesting the two have more than $12m in reserves.

NRL clubs, eager to become more financially viable, have been eyeing off that money as the code heads towards unity under the independent commission.

The bodies are yet to agree on the game's eight commissioners, although that process is drawing to a conclusion.

The interview process could begin late next week.

Meanwhile, the NRL is investigating the feasibility of introducing specialised stoppages in play as it looks to make the game more attractive to television and to keep pace with the AFL over broadcasting rights.

It is understood the idea is being driven by consultancy firm LEK, which has been hired by the NRL to help maximise revenue from the next television deal.

The breaks would be tailored around existing stoppages such as dropouts and conversions and would guarantee broadcasters the opportunity to sell advertising with a greater level of certainty.

The issue for the NRL is making sure the game doesn't lose its level of attrition. It is a difficult balancing act given the need for the game to secure a windfall from its next television contract.

"We are working with LEK and the club reps on our broadcasting committee to look at innovations that will be attractive to the networks and therefore help deliver the lucrative rights deal that we expect to get for the game," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.

 

[Perth Red]

I have it on good authority that the interviews commenced this week and the commision will officially take over the running of the game on May 1st. Expansion will be decided upon by first week in June with tenders for expansion having 4 weeks to submit (if expansion is given the green light).

 

[Quidgybo]

I have it on good authority that the interviews commenced this week and the commision will officially take over the running of the game on May 1st. Expansion will be decided upon by first week in June with tenders for expansion having 4 weeks to submit (if expansion is given the green light).

If you're hearing this via the Reds bid then all bids have probably been given the same off the record advice. "You've got three and a half months, be ready"

Leigh.

 

[beave]

c'mon reds, you gotta get in!!!!

 

[$$Poor Boy Blues$$]

Hey guys.

I am in line for a spot on the commission. Bite me. You snooze, you lose.

 

[Apey]

Hey guys.

I am in line for a spot on the commission. Bite me. You snooze, you lose.

 

[adamkungl]

Hey guys.

I am in line for a spot on the commission. Bite me. You snooze, you lose.

whatever

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ndent-commission/story-e6frexnr-1226031643019

April fools threaten rugby league independent commission

EXCLUSIVE by Dean Ritchie
From: The Daily Telegraph
April 01, 2011 12:00AM


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."

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...ents-day-arrives/story-e6frg7mf-1226031625433

Quayle still in contention as independents' day arrives

Brent Read
From: The Australian
April 01, 2011 12:00AM

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.

 

[Perth Red]

Geez I hope the commision funds the affiliated states better rather than just give it to NRL clubs. I'm surprised to hear the ARL etc are so flush given the poverty we keep hearing from them and their clubs.

Come on people make it happen!

 

[adamkungl]

So News and the ARL are going to vote, and if the ARL doesn't vote the way News wants it to they'll throw their toys out of the cot and shut the whole thing down?

 

[juro]

Very democratic...