New HQ fits in with fresh start for code

[El Diablo]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-with-fresh-start-for-code-20100531-wreo.html

New HQ fits in with fresh start for code
BRAD WALTER
June 1, 2010

A $17.4 MILLION headquarters at Moore Park is set to become the first tangible sign of rugby league's new order under an independent commission, with an announcement of the project imminent.

The new building will house all of the code's various bodies - including the NSW Rugby League, Country Rugby League and the new Australian Rugby League Commission, which is expected to take over the running of the game from News Ltd and the ARL at the end of the season.

Plans to bring all of the governing bodies under one roof have been on the drawing board for some time but the Herald understands that a deal is close to being finalised.

The new headquarters, provisionally called Rugby League Central, will be built on land occupied by the SCG Trust at Moore Park, where the offices of the Sydney Roosters, Cricket NSW, Sydney Swans, NSW Waratahs and Sydney FC are established.

Officials believe the site is strategic in that it is close to the CBD, Sydney Airport and the Sydney Football Stadium.

The federal and NSW governments last year announced a combined $11.4 million funding boost on the eve of the grand final and officials have been working since on securing the remaining money required for the project.

The federal government's contribution was $10.4 million, with the NSW government providing an additional $1 million.

The building will also house a game-wide multipurpose learning facility for the code's various educational and community programs, including Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well, the Premiers' Reading Challenge, indigenous programs, domestic violence campaigns and Women in League programs.

NRL public affairs manager John Brady last night confirmed that a deal was close to being finalised.

''We've been in discussions about this for some time and certainly things seem to be getting close,'' Brady said.

The main tenant will be the new independent commission, which is set to take control of the game by November 1.

All 16 NRL clubs voted for an independent commission and initially demanded the new body be in place by the start of the season. That didn't happen and talks between News Ltd and the ARL have reportedly slowed in recent weeks.

However, officials close to the negotiations are confident that the new body will be in place by the end of the season.

Under an independent commission, it is hoped that the salary cap and grants to clubs from television revenue can be increased to up to $6 million in coming years.

Aside from the immediate savings to be made from reducing the duplication that exists between the numerous governing bodies, an extra $8 million that News Ltd takes from the game each year will be available to distribute among the clubs.

In addition, the NRL is set to accept a $45 million bid from the NSW government to keep the grand final in Sydney for a further 10 years.

 

[El Diablo]

excellent news

looks like things are moving in the right direction

 

[BranVan3000]

Yay money for our game please

 

[Lockyer4President!]

Good location, it was the only sensible choice really.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

So the commission talks are still going ahead? or are News too traumatised still from the Storm saga?

 

[Jono1987]

The defining monument in the creation of the IC. Good to hear. However I'd rather know more about the formation of the IC or lackthereof at the moment.

 

[Perth Red]

Good news, the further we get away from News Ltd the better.

 

[maccattack]

Betcha it doesnt happen.

 

[Jason_(Is_our_King)_Smith]

In addition, the NRL is set to accept a $45 million bid from the NSW government to keep the grand final in Sydney for a further 10 yearsIn addition, the NRL is set to accept a $45 million bid from the NSW government to keep the grand final in Sydney for a further 10 years

I hope that's the $45 million they were going to give to AFL for the Showground...

 

[Shire Panther]

I hope that's the $45 million they were going to give to AFL for the Showground...

Dont be silly that money is coming out of the roads and hospitals fund.

 

[Quidgybo]

The new building will house all of the code's various bodies - including the NSW Rugby League, Country Rugby League and the new Australian Rugby League Commission, which is expected to take over the running of the game from News Ltd and the ARL at the end of the season

Aside from the immediate savings to be made from reducing the duplication that exists between the numerous governing bodies

So anyway, why do we still need all these separate bodies again? Three boards all under one roof running one game. Sometimes I have to catch myself when I start thinking I've woken up in the 1930s. You know pre internet and jet planes when distance and communication was still a real barrier that justified all these tiers of administration.

Leigh.

 

[Cumberland Throw]

How long till the AFL buy that land for $100 Million and puts the swans centre of excellence on it

 

[LESStar58]

So the commission talks are still going ahead? or are News too traumatised still from the Storm saga?

Mate, if anything the Storm saga is probably going to lead to the ARL telling News to f**k off and not meet most of their demands for leaving the game. It'll still go ahead, don't worry about that!

 

[m0nty]

Hopefully the NSWRL and CRL offices are just closets where the official blazers are kept for special occasions, like the funerals of the corrupt old codgers who brought down rugby league for decades.

 

[taipan]

Hopefully the NSWRL and CRL offices are just closets where the official blazers are kept for special occasions, like the funerals of the corrupt old codgers who brought down rugby league for decades.

Don't mention closets,Akermanis might be reading .

 

[Brutus]

Aside from the immediate savings to be made from reducing the duplication that exists between the numerous governing bodies, an extra $8 million that News Ltd takes from the game each year will be available to distribute among the clubs.

 

[Quidgybo]

So in addition to the $300k salary cap rise already announced for next season, it's probably a safe assumption that as soon as the final agreement is reached on the commission, we'll see a rise of up to another $500k announced (the actual figure will probably be less than that to close the gap between the grant and cap a bit more). That'll be quite a pay rise in the space of just 12 months.

Now whether all that extra cash should go straight to the players and existing clubs is a different matter.

Leigh.

 

[thommo4pm]

So anyway, why do we still need all these separate bodies again? Three boards all under one roof running one game. Sometimes I have to catch myself when I start thinking I've woken up in the 1930s. You know pre internet and jet planes when distance and communication was still a real barrier that justified all these tiers of administration.

Leigh.

Mate, I've got to be honest, I always enjoy reading your posts....always make sense and always have great logical ideas for the game.
I wouldn't mind seeing you in charge of the NRL.

 

[Paullyboy]

If the Independant Commission ever happens it'd be a very pleasant shock

 

[Quidgybo]

Mate, I've got to be honest, I always enjoy reading your posts....always make sense and always have great logical ideas for the game.
I wouldn't mind seeing you in charge of the NRL.

I'd make a bloody shocking leader. But if someone were to offer me A$100k to fill the spot of ideas guy on the NRL's Strategic Planning team (one sometimes wonders if such a thing even exists) then I'd certainly consider returning to Oz and taking the pay cut. Hint, hint NRL

Leigh.