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

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...aft-constitution/story-e6frg7mf-1225957978284

QRL seeks changes to draft constitution

* Peter Kogoy and Brent Read
* From: The Australian
* November 22, 2010 12:00AM

QUEENSLAND'S push for change is set to be thrashed out at a meeting of key Australian Rugby League officials today.

The Queensland Rugby League wants wholesale changes to the proposed constitution for the game's inaugural independent commission.

The QRL is understood to have proposed 39 amendments to the draft constitution, which was pieced together by an independent legal firm acting on behalf of the ARL and is yet to be signed off by News Limited.

One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Australian some of the points raised by the QRL were "superficial", while others were "plain rubbish".

The latest meeting to finalise the proposed constitution comes as one Sydney club, believed to be Canterbury, prepares to nominate radio broadcaster Alan Jones for a place on the commission. Jones is the latest in a string of high-profile names linked with the job.

The Australian has already revealed a number of potential commissioners, including former Australia cricket captain Steve Waugh, racehorse owner Nick Moraitis, former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty, Westpac chief executive Gail Kelly and former Australia forward John Grant, now a highly successful businessman in Queensland.

Former Billabong and Qantas chairman Gary Pemberton has also expressed an interest in becoming a commissioner. Of those mentioned, Grant and Pemberton are widely considered the most likely to fill two of the eight positions.

While appointing commissioners will be challenging, the constitution was widely considered to be the biggest stumbling block to the commission's formation. Those predictions have proved accurate given the QRL's insistence on a raft of alterations.

Officials from the 16 NRL clubs had optimistically hoped to have the commission in place by November 1. The plan now is to have the commission in control by the start of next season.

The sense of urgency has only increased, given the exposure enjoyed by the AFL's Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns.

Rugby league officials are also wary of the impact soccer could make in its heartland given the coming decision on the 2022 World Cup bid.

"Some of the points raised by Queensland are purely superficial, others are plain rubbish," a source told The Australian in reference to the QRL's proposed amendments, which will be pushed by directors Terry Mackenroth -- the former deputy premier and treasurer -- and Bruce Hatcher at today's meeting.

"The feeling is that the commission should be up and running sooner rather than later with the AFL's push into south-east Queensland through the Gold Coast Suns and GWS in Sydney.

"The other fear is the ramifications long term for the code should Australia win the right to stage a World Cup.

"The sheer weight of money in both these codes poses a real threat to rugby league on two fronts."

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr confirmed a meeting was scheduled today in Sydney but was simply designed to continue work which was already taking place.

"It's a usual ARL board meeting," Carr said.

"We have put a document out. It is going back and forth from News Limited to us. It's no big deal. It's another meeting in the process."

Once the constitution is finalised, officials from the ARL and News Limited, the game's co-owners, will sit down to finalise the inaugural eight commissioners.

It is understood interviews have already taken place with some candidates. Officials on both sides remain hopeful that NRL board member Katie Page can still play a part despite independency rules seemingly counting her out.

Kelly's name has been put forward but it is hard to envisage her taking a role with the commission given the demands that already exist on her time.

Jones, a Queenslander, is a former coach of the Wallabies and coached both Balmain and South Sydney in the NRL. He has the ear of the some of the country's most powerful political and business figures.

 

[Quidgybo]

Nothing has been proposed that would improve on the option of letting the current agreement run it's course and then putting in place a structure without News Ltd conditions.

What News conditions? I see funding for the Storm and first and last bid on TV rights. While those are significant items, they are nothing like structural demands. The closest they've come to a structural demand is saying the status quo of the ARL is unacceptable.

The proposal for a new structure has from the outset been defined by the elite clubs (the Michael Searle led faction in this tug of war) and their demand that they must have the major say in the running of the game going forward because they generate the majority of the game's money.

News Ltd have throughout this process been largely an interested observer watching the three way argument over the structure between the elite clubs, the ARL/NSWRL, and the QRL. The QRL have opposed and chipped away a bit at the edges of the elite clubs starting proposal. And the ARL/NSWRL has largely controlled the middle ground between the two camps.

Whether we make this change now or we wait however many more years until News leaves per the original Partnership terms, the elite clubs are not going away and neither will their structure defining demands. For that reason, the structure we get then is unlikely to be substantially different to what we'll get now. In my opinion, better to get it now with News Ltd departing now than to tread water for another decade or more.

 

[BunniesMan]

QRL trying to make changes that are "superficial" and "plain rubbish". Seems to me like they are trying to slow down and even derail this. Bloody cane toad dinosaur merkins.

 

[BunniesMan]

What News conditions? I see funding for the Storm and first and last bid on TV rights. While those are significant items, they are nothing like structural demands.

The structure proposed has from the outset been defined by the elite clubs (the Michael Searle led faction in this tug of war) and their demand that they must have the major say in the running of the game going forward because they generate the majority of the game's money.

News Ltd have throughout this process been largely an interested observer watching the three way argument over the structure between the the elite clubs, the ARL/NSWRL, and the QRL. The QRL have opposed and chipped away a bit at the edges of the elite clubs starting proposal. And the ARL/NSWRL have largely controlled the middle ground between the two camps.

Whether we make this change now or we wait however many more years until News leaves per the original Partnership terms, the elite clubs are not going away and neither will their structure defining demands. For that reason, the structure we get then is unlikely to be substantially different to what we'll get now. In my opinion, better to get it now with News Ltd departing now than to tread water for another decade or more.

According to you, who exactly are these "elite" clubs trying to take over and control everything?

 

[Quidgybo]

According to you, who exactly are these "elite" clubs trying to take over and control everything?

The 16 current NRL clubs majority owned by Football/Leagues Clubs and private individuals (including a 1/8th minority ownership by News Ltd) and majority based in NSW. The competition they play generates somewhere around $150m per year for the game currently and this is likely to increase to well over $200m by 2013. That makes them a very powerful faction in the game.

Leigh

 

[BunniesMan]

The 16 current NRL clubs majority owned by Football/Leagues Clubs and private individuals (including a 1/8th minority ownership by News Ltd) and majority based in NSW. The competition they play generates somewhere around $150m per year for the game currently and this is likely to increase to well over $200m by 2013. That makes them a very powerful faction in the game.

Leigh

Oh, i misunderstood. Thought you were saying just some of the clubs are supposedly elite and trying to take over. But you meant them as a whole.

IMO the clubs know what's good for the league much better than News ltd, NSWRL, QRL, ARL and NRL. I'd be happy if the league was completely controlled by the clubs.

 

[adamkungl]

Can the QRL just die already? It's own clubs even see it as irrelevant

 

[juro]

Oh, i misunderstood. Thought you were saying just some of the clubs are supposedly elite and trying to take over. But you meant them as a whole.

IMO the clubs know what's good for the league much better than News ltd, NSWRL, QRL, ARL and NRL. I'd be happy if the league was completely controlled by the clubs.

I'd hate to see the game completely controlled by the clubs. What would happen to the game outside the NRL? ie grassroots, regional, international? Would the game ever expand beyond where it is today?

 

[duylm]

I'd hate to see the game completely controlled by the clubs. What would happen to the game outside the NRL? ie grassroots, regional, international? Would the game ever expand beyond where it is today?

I like to think that even though the commissioners would be voted in by the clubs, being on the commission would mean that they have to do what's best for the league. I'm certain way back in 2006 the clubs were pushing the old line "We need to sure up all of our existing clubs first" in response to the potential entry of the Gold Coast Titans. But looking back, admitting the Titans was a no-brainer. An Independant Commission would hopefully make independant decisions for the greater good of the game...

 

[Quidgybo]

I like to think that even though the commissioners would be voted in by the clubs, being on the commission would mean that they have to do what's best for the league.

The commissioners will not be voted in by the clubs under the current proposal, the Commission would choose its own. But the elite clubs voting as a block would be able to remove a commissioner.

Leigh

 

[Parra]

What News conditions? I see funding for the Storm and first and last bid on TV rights. While those are significant items, they are nothing like structural demands. The closest they've come to a structural demand is saying the status quo of the ARL is unacceptable.

The proposal for a new structure has from the outset been defined by the elite clubs (the Michael Searle led faction in this tug of war) and their demand that they must have the major say in the running of the game going forward because they generate the majority of the game's money.

News Ltd have throughout this process been largely an interested observer watching the three way argument over the structure between the elite clubs, the ARL/NSWRL, and the QRL. The QRL have opposed and chipped away a bit at the edges of the elite clubs starting proposal. And the ARL/NSWRL has largely controlled the middle ground between the two camps.

Whether we make this change now or we wait however many more years until News leaves per the original Partnership terms, the elite clubs are not going away and neither will their structure defining demands. For that reason, the structure we get then is unlikely to be substantially different to what we'll get now. In my opinion, better to get it now with News Ltd departing now than to tread water for another decade or more.

You left out appointment of Directors as well. The News Ltd demands ensure that no structure, regardless of what it is labelled, will be independent.

Better to let the current agreement run it's course. The Storm can then live or die on their merits same as any other club, the TV rights can be sold unencumbered by the first & last rights and the game can appoint it's own management without the need to refer everything to a media company.

 

[Quidgybo]

You left out appointment of Directors as well. The News Ltd demands ensure that no structure, regardless of what it is labelled, will be independent.

That's it? News Ltd have an equal say with the outgoing ARL in the selection of the first eight commisioners only. After that they're gone. And thereafter the clubs could remove any sitting commissioner they don't like in a heartbeat. None of that is a structural issue or likely to have the slightest impact on the structure chosen. The clubs are the long term power in that regard and unlike News, they aren't leaving.

Leigh

 

[Quidgybo]

Unlike News, the clubs aren't leaving... unless of course they don't get a structure acceptable to *them*. If it is unacceptable then they'll just take their whole $150m a year operation and form their own structure.. Where would that leave us?

Leigh

 

[Parra]

It will leave the sport right where it is - on top and with no sign of moving.

I don't buy all the doom and gloom either. The NRL is clearly the number one winter sport in Australia and this position will only get stronger.

News Ltd want out of the current deal for reasons that will only benefit them. So let them go, no strings attached.

 

[Quidgybo]

It will leave the sport right where it is - on top and with no sign of moving.

So you agree then that the News Ltd demands will make no real difference to the outcome. The elite clubs will either way end up as the dominant force and their league will remain the most watched sport on Australian television. So why wait?

Leigh

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.nrl.com/NewsViews/LatestNews/NewsArticle/tabid/10874/newsId/60900/Default.aspx

League edging closer to commission

Joe Barton AAP Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:56:17

Rugby league in Australia is edging closer to having an independent commission, but a final date for its implementation remains as hazy as ever.

Representatives from both the NSW and Queensland Rugby League boards met in Sydney on Monday to review amendments to the constitution that will eventually become the basis for the independent commission.

But ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said the boards would not rush into any concrete decisions on the commission, which are expected to be the biggest administrative change to rugby league since the formation of NRL was formed in 1998.

"It was a constructive meeting, we're working through the constitution," Carr told AAP.

"What we considered this morning in a 40 page document was the amendments from News Limited and those amendments were around making sure the words clearly clarified these negotiations.

"It's working through to make sure that document is factually correct and had the words of the collective negotiation, so that's what we continued to do (on Monday)."

Claims that the NSWRL was eager to push the QRL into making a decision during the Monday meeting was dismissed by Carr.

"Those (reports) were completely off the mark," Carr said.

"There were never going to be any fireworks ... It was very amicable, it was always going to be."

Representatives from the two boards are expected to meet again before Christmas, with Carr adding that a final decision was not far off.

"We'll continue to meet, we're in a negotiation with News and the clubs about getting the constitution right and we'll meet as many times as we need to keep making sure we get it done," he said.

"(But) we're not far away I wouldn't think."

 

[Parra]

So why wait?

Leigh

The more appropriate question is why let News Ltd dictate terms at all?

All News Ltd have to do is honor the current agreement or walk away. Anything else is bullsh*t.

 

[Brutus]

Interesting take on this from the two papers.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ndent-commission/story-e6frexnr-1225958793185

Alan Jones set for gig on NRL independent commission

• EXCLUSIVE By Dean Ritchie
• From: The Daily Telegraph
• November 23, 2010 12:00AM

THE most powerful voice in Australia is poised to become the powerbroker of rugby league. Broadcaster Alan Jones is set to join league's new independent commission after winning overwhelming support from every NSW NRL club.
The move would instantly deliver the new board and rugby league connections to the most powerful figures in politics, business and sport.

Influential chairmen from the 11 NSW-based NRL clubs have unanimously voted to push Jones on to the commission.

When asked about the proposed move, Jones indicated he was interested.

"The independent commission is a pioneering initiative - if approached I would consider it," he said.

The Daily Telegraph can today reveal that the 11 club chairmen met privately last week and were united in their desire for Jones to be an inaugural commissioner.

Canterbury chairman Ray Dibb initiated the move through an email to Jones, who responded by saying he would "be happy to have his name put forward". Dibb then formally tabled the Jones motion at last week's meeting.

The push for Jones will intensify at the annual chief executives and chairmen's conference in Byron Bay next Monday and Tuesday. Privately, the 11 chairmen believe they have the muscle and clout to rush Jones straight on to the eight-member commission, which should be announced within the next three weeks.

At last Tuesday's meeting, support for Jones came from Dibb, Damian Irvine (Cronulla), Scott Penn (Manly), Don Feltis (Penrith), John McIntyre (Canberra), Nick Politis (Sydney Roosters), Warren Lockwood (St George Illawarra), Nick Pappas (Souths) and Roy Spagnolo (Parramatta). Dave Trodden (Wests Tigers) and Robbie Tew (Newcastle) were absent from the meeting but agreed with the move to attract Jones.

Jones does work for a media organisation (2GB) which could prevent him from being a commissioner under the new regulations - but he is a broadcaster, not a company director.

Asked about the push, Jones told The Daily Telegraph: "Like in all these things, if it was in the best interests of the sport and they thought I could make a contribution, I would consider it."

Commission candidates closer

Brad Walter

November 23, 2010

THE first appointments to the Independent Commission are set to be considered after a meeting between representatives of the ARL, News Ltd and the NRL clubs to determine the criteria for members of the new body.
Deciding who is eligible to be one of the eight commissioners is the next step in the process after NSWRL and QRL directors on the ARL board yesterday accepted all but a handful of points agreed to by News Ltd and the clubs for the constitution of the Independent Commission. It is understood the main issues to be resolved relate to the ineligibility of: anyone associated with a media organisation, and; anyone who has held an official role with a club, league or News Ltd in the previous three years.
Such guidelines rule out the likes of Harvey Norman managing director Katie Page, who is on the NRL board, while also potentially meaning that Telstra CEO David Thodey would be ineligible as the telco owns half of Foxtel.
Broadcaster Alan Jones would also be ineligible as he is a major shareholder in the Macquarie Radio Network - although there are doubts as to whether he would have the time for the role. Jones is understood to have been nominated as a commissioner by Canterbury officials.
News Ltd believes Page would be an ideal candidate, and she also has support from key ARL officials, but QRL directors argue that watering down the ''independence test'' would effect the credibility of the commission.
There was speculation last night that News Ltd would also support former Canberra Raiders chief executive and Swimming Australia boss Kevin Neil as a commissioner but the Herald was told the media company had not begun to consider any nominations.
Both News Ltd and the ARL have the right to veto any nomination put forward by the other party, and the clubs will also be involved.
Former ARL chief executive and AOC official John Quayle, former Dragons captain Mark Coyne and 1972 World Cup forward John Grant are some of those believed to have ARL backing to be on the inaugural commission.
Others with support are former Qantas and Billabong chairman Gary Pemberton, former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty, racehorse owner and businessman Nick Moraitis, Westpac CEO Gail Kelly and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.
There is a feeling that at least some of the commissioners should be young.
An interim board is expected to be appointed after the ARL's annual general meeting on December 7.
That meeting will vote to change the constitution of the ARL, which will become the company for the new body. However, it may not be until the start of next season that the Independent Commission is officially up and running as there are myriad legal agreements from the Super League peace deal between News Ltd and the ARL to untangle.
The licences of the 16 NRL clubs also need to be transferred to the new body, along with all the sponsorship and broadcasting contracts the NRL has in place for next season.
Meanwhile, former NRL and Wests Tigers chairman John Chalk has been confirmed as the next NSW Rugby League chairman as there are no other candidates standing for the position at the December 3 NSWRL AGM.
Chalk will replace Colin Love, who is not seeking re-election after more than a decade as NSWRL and ARL chairman.
All other board and vice-president positions are being contested, with former Bulldogs chairman George Peponis, fellow Canterbury great Terry Lamb, Parramatta director and NSW selector Geoff Gerard and former judiciary member Royce Ayliffe all having nominated.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/commission-candidates-closer-20101122-18451.html

 

[Lockyer4President!]

Unsurprisingly the NSW clubs are already voting as a single bloc.

 

[Patorick]

Alan Jones?

Sigh...