https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sp...s/news-story/3b4d7a63522d78b7c7c874bf5cef47ef
Peter Beattie anoints V’landys and Laing as successors
Peter Beattie isn’t prepared to put an end date on his time as chair of the ARL Commission but he has endorsed the claims of Peter V’landys, Amanda Laing and a third incoming commissioner to the throne as part of a succession plan for his departure.
Beattie also revealed plans for a two-day retreat in the Blue Mountains at the end of this month to strategise the game’s future would be turned into an annual event.
The Australian understands the commission has enlisted consultancy firm Colgan Bauer to address the meeting on the future of the broadcasting and digital landscape, both areas likely to have a significant impact on Beattie’s other baby, expansion.
Colgan Bauer’s website includes a reference from AFL chief Gillon McLachlan suggesting that their deals invariably start with a detailed analysis by the company. The director of broadcasting at the English Premier League Paul Molnar is also quoted saying they used the company to value their rights in the Indian market.
Their advice is seen as vital for the game as it begins planning for the next broadcasting deal and flow-ons from that, including the prospect of expansion into other states and potentially a second team in Brisbane.
Beattie may not be around to see that happen given he has always insisted he would not overstay his welcome. Some, it seems, would be happy for him to go now, although question marks hover over his potential replacements.
V’landys, the chief executive of Racing NSW, is one of the country’s smartest administrations — as evidence by the success of The Everest — but is seen by some as a divisive, particularly in the fallout from the controversial decision to use the Opera House to promote the horse race he founded.
Laing is conflicted by her role with Foxtel, which is likely to mean she will be forced to step aside when negotiations begin over the next broadcasting deal.
That makes the appointment of a new commissioner early next year potentially pivotal. It comes as Beattie talks to the clubs and states about changes to the constitution, including the possibility that the three-year stand-down period could be reduced or removed.
Under the current rules, club officials must resign from their affiliations and wait three years before they are eligible to join the commission.
Should that change, it would put a host of people with club DNA in the mix to join the commission and potentially become chair, chief among them South Sydney chair Nick Pappas, Sydney Roosters chair Nick Politis, Melbourne’s Bart Campbell and North Queensland powerbroker Laurence Lancini.
Beattie confirmed a third fresh face would be brought onto the commission early next year and he would like that person to be capable of filling the chair role.
“In my 12 months of living in Sydney I have slowly come to understand the NSW Rum Rebellion legacy which influences the city’s psychology but the game has made significant progress nevertheless,” Beattie said.
“There will be another change in the commissioners in February, 2019 but more on that next year. In the meantime it is sufficient to say the commission will have (three) potential future chairs which is a good thing.
“That is Peter, Amanda and next year’s appointment. I strongly believe in succession planning. Peter V’landys has publicly said he is interested in being chair.
“I have no problem with that as Peter knows. He would be a good chair as would the other two.I have not decided on how long I will stay. I have a number of things to achieve and when they are done I will go.”
Beattie again spoke about the importance of the meeting later this month given the changing landscape in the broadcasting market.
Rugby league is in a reasonable position given the sport’s ratings held firm this season but the commission wants to be prepared for the future — the current deal runs until the end of 2022.
“The future broadcasting and digital landscape — the game’s expansion and studying demographic changes and the future make up of the Australian population to target the game more effectively to future players are all on the agenda,” Beattie said.
“I believe engaging with fans is crucial by game administrators hence my use of Twitter. The world is changing. The game has to change as well.”
