John Grant defends go-slow in search for new leader
by: Brent Read
From: The Australian
August 09, 2012 12:00AM
ARL Commission chairman John Grant yesterday dismissed suggestions the game was suffering from a leadership vacuum and insisted there was no need to rush the appointment of a new chief executive because the current administration was doing an outstanding job.
He also said that talks over the next broadcasting deal had been slowed by the Olympics but were beginning to heat up again. The Australian understands the Seven and Ten networks have until later this month to make formal bids.
Grant, about to mark the six-month anniversary of the commission's formation, confirmed that interviews had begun with the short-listed candidates for the chief executive's position. However, he would give no firm date on when a permanent replacement for David Gallop would be made. Strategy and special projects director Shane Mattiske is filling the chief executive's role on an interim basis.
"This organisation is working really, really well," Grant said yesterday. "We feel under no pressure whatsoever to hurry the appointment of the chief executive officer because this organisation has lost its way. That is absolutely not the case.
"If you look at the way the business is operating, I think they are doing a fantastic job. They have all said they have a job to do and they're doing it really well.
"We're completely comfortable with the way the business is running so we have to get the right person. It will be the best candidate.
"You need to do what you need to do to get to know the person because it's a big deal. It's a big decision. This board, this commission, this business, is going to be successful or not by virtue of the chief executive we appoint."
While the broadcasting talks and search for a new chief executive have been at the forefront of the commission's thinking, significant issues involving the game's finance are looming large.
The Australian understands the game's 16 clubs will seek assurances over future funding -- including a renewed commitment to receive an additional $500,000 before November 1 -- when the nascent NRL Council holds a landmark meeting with the commission later this month.
Before then, the clubs themselves will meet next week to decide what issues they want to highlight to the commission. The biggest is expected to be future funding as the vast majority of clubs seek more financial muscle from the next broadcasting deal.
As part of the commission's formation, the clubs received a commitment late last year that they would receive an instant injection of $500,000 when the new broadcasting deal was finalised. The clubs want assurances of that pledge at their meeting with the commission.
Beyond that, the clubs are believed to want an assurance that funding from next season onward will exceed the salary cap. The council, to be made up of representatives from the 16 clubs, had sought regular meetings with the commission to press the clubs' concerns.
The Australian understands the commission has agreed to meet with the clubs on a quarterly basis. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for August 27, with each club providing one representative.
Before then, the clubs have been asked to attend a meeting on Tuesday at St George Leagues Club to outline what issues they want to put before the commission. The problem for both the club and the commission is that the issue of funding is set to be contingent on the broadcasting deal.
There are also several competing interests at play. While the clubs and the players through the Rugby League Players Association are pressing for their share of the game's riches, it is understood the commission is also intent on keeping money in reserve as part of a future fighting fund.
