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

[Parra]

Sounds as good or as bad as any other board structure.

I still see the independence as a pretence. The traditional models pre-NRL appear more honest with allegiances known & declared, rather than one-step-removed.

It hardly sounds like something for anyone to fear. Nor does it sound like something that can change the game as much as people expect. The two biggest changes to come are the removal of News Ltd from the game and the opportunity to get more cash through a TV deal that is yet to be seen. After those two things happen you can call the controlling body anything you want.

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-storm-snows-news-delegate-20100529-wme6.html

Commission on hold as Storm snows News delegate
DANIEL LANE
May 30, 2010

THE Melbourne Storm salary-cap drama and closing financial year have conspired to bring negotiations for the independent commission to a halt.

The Sun-Herald understands News Ltd's chief financial officer, Peter McCourt, who is working with ARL chairman Colin Love to form the independent commission, has had to focus on the audit of the Storm, owned by News Ltd, and his employer's annual budget.

Both parties are said to be firmly committed to setting up the commission, but McCourt's workload has made it impossible for him and Love to talk much in the past month.

Insiders said substantial progress had been made and it would not take long for a deal to be completed.

Documenting the commission's structure, which would presumably include the by-laws and constitution, will be the most time-consuming task before the November 1 deadline.

Michael Searle, the Gold Coast Titans chief executive who was the architect of the commission, said he was confident the deadline would be met. ''I'd be disappointed if we can't get it done by November 1 - it's the ideal time,'' he said. ''It's three months before the new season kicks off and a transitional handover would be nice.

''They have a lot of work to do. I'd hate to see it dumped on them on the eve of the season's kick-off and they're told, 'Here's the horse, hang on tight.'

''I'd much rather see the handover happen as soon as possible after grand-final day so they can get their teeth in the budget, into the television deal and to [be able to] look at the game from a holistic perspective.''

Searle said it was understood that McCourt had to deal with his workload. ''Most of us would acknowledge that ideally it'd be great to have [the commission] ramped up, but I think we're prepared to cut a bit of slack,'' he said.

''The big picture is we get this right - it is going to be vital for our game over the next 100 years. As I said from day one, the process around the agreement behind the scenes is far more complicated than the deal itself. Restructuring the organisation is something that will happen quickly.''

Searle said all parties appreciated the demand for the commission. ''I think there'll be some momentum in the next month or two when Peter [McCourt] gets more time, though I'm certain discussions are still ongoing behind the scenes,'' he said.

Searle also defended the commission's developers from criticism that insufficient information was being released to the public. Trying to develop such a body in a public forum would be a disaster, he said. The time for public scrutiny would come.

''[The commission] has to pass the litmus test of public scrutiny and you can't conduct negotiations and/or restructure an organisation like the National Rugby League thinking the scrutiny won't be intense,'' he said.

 

[Perth Red]

Why is it down to one bean counter? Surely it is so importat that more than just 2 people should be driving it? What a joke...

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

What more can News do concerning the Storm? Dont they still have a seperate company investigating, have a CEO standing in, what more can the rest of News Ltd do that is so distracting that negotiations with the ARL cant continue?

 

[Parra]

All they have to do is read this thread. Maybe noone has told the ARl or News Ltd that all of those issues have already been resolved.

 

[forward pass]

So we are desperate for a commission but we have to wait because some bloke is a bit busy. wtf ??

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-with-queensland/story-e6frexnr-1225877215353

ARL boss sparks war with Queensland

* By Phil Rothfield Sports Editor-at-Large
* From: The Daily Telegraph
* June 09, 2010 12:00AM

DIRECTORS of the Queensland Rugby League ignored a furious email from ARL chief executive Geoff Carr before choosing AFL defector Israel Folau in next week's State of Origin game in Brisbane.

The explosive email, copied to board members of the ARL and obtained by The Daily Telegraph last night, reveals Carr telling his Queensland counterpart Ross Livermore it was "stupid and short sighted" to pick Folau.

In an Olympic-class backflip, the Maroons named the AFL's new ambassador and face of Sydney's west in a provocative move that will have massive ramifications and endanger the QRL's hopes of having representation on the independent commission later this year.

See Geoff Carr's email to Ross Livermore here

"They have shown they can only make decisions for Queensland - not for the game," said a fuming ARL chief executive Geoff Carr last night.

"It's going to have serious ramifications - and I'm talking about the independent commission. It's a disgrace. I won't go into it any further but we're really disappointed by what's happened after they indicated last week Folau wouldn't be chosen, then as a matter of convenience they pick him."

In setting up the independent commission later this year, the QRL has been campaigning to get one seat on the board and be part of the process of naming four of the eight directors.

"If they think picking the AFL's Sydney ambassador to play on rugby league's biggest stage is a smart move for the future of our game, then they don't deserve to be represented on the commission." said an ARL director who leaked us the email.

Only last week Livermore was on the record as saying it was intolerable to have Folau urging kids in western Sydney to take up Australian rules while continuing to play on rugby league's biggest stage.

"I would say that Israel has played his last game for Queensland and I think Mal [Meninga] would be of the same view," he said last Tuesday.

Maroons skipper Darren Lockyer supported moves to dump Folau when he said: "The jersey is bigger than any one player."

And so too did veteran prop Petero Civoniceva by saying: "If he [Folau] was selected, the talk wouldn't be about Origin, it would be about AFL and Izzy's move and it would take the spotlight off our game."

Incredibly, Livermore tried to deny it was a backflip.

"Last week I was approached about Izzy's eligibility. I spoke to the coach and senior players and their view was that we should probably look to the future," he said.

"Yesterday I had an approach by Mal [Meninga] who said that they had had a re-think ... and they felt that seeing he was part of the first game and he is going to be playing in the NRL for the rest of the year they would like to use him.

"We don't pick the teams, we leave that to the selectors. And we don't ask the selectors to pick or not pick a player. So it's not a backflip."

Meninga believed the furore would only galvanise his team as they look to seal a record fifth straight series win.

"We have probably melded even closer together because of what has happened with the media interest at the moment," he said.

Folau said he would have understood if he had not been picked.

"I would have just gone on with my footy for the rest of the year with my club," he said. "But they have given me an opportunity to play again and I want to make sure I won't let them down."

 

[Doomednow]

Even if its only a threat I'm glad there has been at least some measure of ramifications for it.

 

[Rockin Ronny]

Why is it down to one bean counter? Surely it is so importat that more than just 2 people should be driving it? What a joke...

Also, why the hell is Searle vested with so much input here? I think he should step back until all the financial queries, debt issues, court cases with the Titans etc are finalised.

Also, comments like this are concerning:
Searle also defended the commission's developers from criticism that "insufficient information was being released to the public. Trying to develop such a body in a public forum would be a disaster, he said. The time for public scrutiny would come."

For too long, rugby league has suffered due to vested interests running the game.

I have massive queries about the "independence" claims for this commission. it should be established by external parties - not more vested interests looking to line their pockets or protect their own clubs.

 

[TheCollector]

This seems to have just disappeared.

When will this realistically happen?

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...eague-commission/story-e6frg7mf-1225878165565

Threat to block independence of new League commission

* Brent Read
* From: The Australian
* June 11, 2010 12:00AM

ALREADY at odds with the Australian Rugby League over Israel Folau, Queensland Rugby League has risked inflaming its tense relationship with NRL clubs by threatening to take legal action to stop the formation of the independent commission.

In a letter addressed to its "supporters and friends", the QRL warns it has taken legal advice and is prepared to take the "strongest possible action" to ensure the game's grassroots are protected.

The QRL has also reiterated its opposition to the proposed structure of the independent commission, which would effectively give it and the NSW Rugby League two shares in the 26-member organisation. The remainder of the membership would be made up of the 16 clubs and eight independent commissioners.

The QRL's alternative proposal would involve an eight-member body - one representative from the privately-owned NRL clubs, one from the remaining clubs, one each from the QRL and NSWRL and four independent commissioners to be appointed by the four groups. Furthermore, the letter raised concerns about a number of conditions placed by News Limited (publisher of The Australian) - the media giant and the ARL are partners in the NRL - on its exit from the game.

Chief among those was News Limited's insistence the NSWRL and QRL have no future input on the appointment of commissioners and Melbourne Storm receive a $26 million package.

"The QRL takes its role as a custodian of the game in Queensland seriously, and is prepared to take the strongest possible action to ensure the grassroots rugby league community is protected and represented under any new structure," says the letter, signed by managing director Ross Livermore and chairman John McDonald.

"For the good of the game, the QRL has sought legal advice regarding the current independent commission proposal and this advice has raised serious issues and concerns which the ARL must address before the proposed structure can be progressed."

Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle, one of the driving forces behind the independent commission, said the clubs would consider the QRL's position but stressed an agreement had already been reached between the game's co-owners.

"The fact is the clubs will only support a truly independent commission and the current model the QRL is proposing is independent in name only," Searle said.

"What they are suggesting just papers over the cracks. It is a restructure of the current model. It is a situation which allows different parties to promote delegates with vested interests, which is precisely what we are trying to avoid.

"We think the key lies in seeing a drastic restructure of how the game is run. Rugby league needs to get rid of the factions."

The QRL has called for a special ARL board meeting to discuss its concerns and reconsider the decision taken two months ago to reach in-principle agreement with News Limited. The meeting will take place next Thursday and its outcome could have serious ramifications for the commission, which officials hope will be in place by November 1.

"Key among our concerns is the ARL has agreed to a code restructure, which gives one vote each to the NSWRL and the QRL," the QRL says. "This decision effectively means the ARL is prepared to walk away from its 50 per cent stake in the game for a share equal to less than 8 per cent (the NSWRL and QRL being two of 26 members), while handing the NRL clubs more than 60 per cent control (16 of 26 members).

"This position is highly advantageous to the NRL clubs who represent the game's elite and disadvantageous to both the NSWRL and QRL who foster the game's grassroots development and run representative programs including State of Origin."

 

[m0nty]

Anyone who still supports the QRL has to be kidding themselves. Just the sort of recidivists who should be run out of the game entirely.

 

[applesauce]

This is a f**ked move by the QRL. But it is the NSWRL that has keep this game from progressing for 15years.

Everyone needs to pull their finger out this is bigger than the Storm, Folau etc!

 

[Rockin Ronny]

But it is the NSWRL that has keep this game from progressing for 15years.

you have got be kidding.

 

[applesauce]

Considering the ARL is full of em former NSWRL boys, no I'm not.

 

[Paul J]

I have been frustrated to the point of despair by the QRL’s deliberate stalling on the independent commission – and I’m a Queenslander.

Every NRL club, CEO, club captain, NRL player, media commentator & fan wants the independent commission up and running asap.

The QRL have given one excuse as to why they are trying to de-rail the whole thing – they want to protect junior development.

The AFL independent commission have never jeopardised junior development of Aussie Rules, on the contrary they have injected enormous funds and effort into AusKick and increasing junior numbers.

WHY DO THE QRL THINK THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE A NRL INDEPENDENT COMMISSION WOULD NEGLECT JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT? It’s insulting and ludicrous to suggest they ever would, it’s obviously a desperate stalling tactic by the QRL.

If the QRL don’t get the independent commission up and running by 01/11/2010 then I believe, as damaging as it will be, drastic action is needed by the clubs for the long term future and greater good of the game. If that means the clubs boycotting state of origin until the independent commission is in place then so be it.

 

[Green Machine]

I have been frustrated to the point of despair by the QRL’s deliberate stalling on the independent commission – and I’m a Queenslander.

Every NRL club, CEO, club captain, NRL player, media commentator & fan wants the independent commission up and running asap.

The QRL have given one excuse as to why they are trying to de-rail the whole thing – they want to protect junior development.

The AFL independent commission have never jeopardised junior development of Aussie Rules, on the contrary they have injected enormous funds and effort into AusKick and increasing junior numbers.

WHY DO THE QRL THINK THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE A NRL INDEPENDENT COMMISSION WOULD NEGLECT JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT? It’s insulting and ludicrous to suggest they ever would, it’s obviously a desperate stalling tactic by the QRL.

If the QRL don’t get the independent commission up and running by 01/11/2010 then I believe, as damaging as it will be, drastic action is needed by the clubs for the long term future and greater good of the game. If that means the clubs boycotting state of origin until the independent commission is in place then so be it.

Don't you mean fabricate junior numbers?
Jeez, this place has been over run with AFL trolls in the last month,

 

[Magumba]

STEP 1: Sign the petition I've started if you believe in our game and want an NRL Commission to run it..... As I dont have enough posts to post a link yet you can find it at gopetitions and it's number 37051.

If someone else can post it.... cheers !!!!

 

[Seagullsrock]

That's not their only issue you idiot. As it stands, the QRL will only have one seat per se out of 26 and the commission will basically be run by the power brokers of the NRL clubs. How is that for the benefit of the game?

 

[Quidgybo]

The QRL has also reiterated its opposition to the proposed structure of the independent commission, which would effectively give it and the NSW Rugby League two shares in the 26-member organisation. The remainder of the membership would be made up of the 16 clubs and eight independent commissioners.

"Key among our concerns is the ARL has agreed to a code restructure, which gives one vote each to the NSWRL and the QRL," the QRL says. "This decision effectively means the ARL is prepared to walk away from its 50 per cent stake in the game for a share equal to less than 8 per cent (the NSWRL and QRL being two of 26 members), while handing the NRL clubs more than 60 per cent control (16 of 26 members)."

26 members?!? Where on earth are they pulling that from? I'd love to see one of the other parties quoted on that as such a concept has not been mentioned anywhere else to date. How could the eight individuals who are commissioners be considered members of an organisation whose sole voting role is to appoint those same eight commissioners? Shareholders appoint a board, the board doesn't appoint itself (unless of course the board members are also shareholders). I dunno, something about hearing such a left field concept from a source like the QRL at this stage of the debate just doesn't ring true. Wait for round two tomorrow I suppose.

Leigh.