All eight members of NRL's inaugural commission revealed
Brent Read
From: The Australian
June 16, 2011 12:00AM
A 53-year-old director of building materials giant CSR is poised to become the eighth and final member of the game's inaugural independent commission.
The Australian understands Jeremy Sutcliffe, who was interim chief executive of CSR from April to December last year, has been earmarked to fill one of the eight positions on the inaugural commission, with his appointment and that of the other seven commissioners expected to be discussed at an Australian Rugby League board meeting today.
With the eight commissioners in place, the ARL and News Limited -- co-owners of the game -- could be only weeks away from handing over control to the commission. It can't come soon enough for the clubs.
Restless club chairmen are keeping a close eye on the outcome of today's meeting as they grow increasingly frustrated over delays in the formation of the commission and confirmation of its members.
The ARL has scheduled a pair of meetings over the next three weeks as they attempt to clear the remaining impediments, most notably a spat over attempts to appoint western Sydney lawyer Jim Marsden as a commissioner.
The ARL wants Marsden while other stakeholders are in favour of former Ansett executive and North Queensland Cowboys board member Mark Williamson.
It seems certain Williamson will win the day, meaning all eight of the game's inaugural commissioners have been revealed.
The other six are information technology guru John Grant, former Qantas and Billabong chairman Gary Pemberton, former Qantas chief financial officer Peter Gregg, former Australian Test captain Wayne Pearce, Harris Farm markets founder Catherine Harris and advertising guru Ian Elliott.
Elliott rose from mail boy to become chief executive and chairman of the country's largest advertising agency, George Patterson, before stepping down to become a full-time company director. He was also the architect of the Optus brand and gives the commission an advertising presence.
Today's meeting shapes as a pivotal one for the ARL, given the close eye the club chairmen will keep on proceedings.
The chairmen have become increasingly active in the commission process, led by South Sydney's Nick Pappas, who was selected by the clubs to represent their views.
Regardless, it is expected the commission will be finalised by the end of this month, creating the possibility it could take control of the game on July 1.
