This is from the presser today.
ARL Commission chairman John Grant faced the media this afternoon to address the growing unrest among NRL clubs that led to all 16 club chairmen lodging a vote of no confidence in him yesterday.
The clubs had called for Grant to stand down but at the press conference today Grant defiantly said he hoped to retain his position for a further five years.
The vote of no confidence from all 16 clubs — including those owned by the NRL — came a day later.
Grant said he understood where the clubs were coming from.
“I understand perfectly how the clubs feel because we own two clubs ... and as a commission we have multiple things to respond to,” he said.
“They need money — we understand that — but we need an appropriate funding model.
“There was understandably upset in terms of the meeting because there was news for them and it was difficult news.
“The original funding model that was on the table we’ve told the clubs that can’t be on the table anymore ... we’ve had other priorities (to focus on).”
Grant highlighted declining participation rates as a reason the proposed funding model had to be scrapped.
“Participation rates continue to decline and we have to reverse that,” he said
“The game is in a financially strong position … the discussion is about how we prioritise the investment.
“Our job is to prioritise expenditure for the betterment of the game in the long term.”
Grant also used the press conference to announce former league boss John Coates would lead a constitutional review — something widely called for by the clubs.
He also went on to describe the NRL clubs revolt as a ‘glitch’.
“Why would I stand down? I haven’t received anything to indicate I should be,” Grant said.
“We’ve clearly had a glitch on Wednesday and I expect to take this forward.”
The commission boss came under fire on Wednesday when a number of club chairmen stormed out of a meeting when Grant and NRL CEO Todd Greenberg reneged on a promised funding model.
The vote of no confidence from all 16 clubs — including those owned by the NRL — came a day later.
Grant said he understood where the clubs were coming from.
“I understand perfectly how the clubs feel because we own two clubs ... and as a commission we have multiple things to respond to,” he said.
“They need money — we understand that — but we need an appropriate funding model.
“There was understandably upset in terms of the meeting because there was news for them and it was difficult news.
“The original funding model that was on the table we’ve told the clubs that can’t be on the table anymore ... we’ve had other priorities (to focus on).”
Grant highlighted declining participation rates as a reason the proposed funding model had to be scrapped.
“Participation rates continue to decline and we have to reverse that,” he said
“The game is in a financially strong position … the discussion is about how we prioritise the investment.
“Our job is to prioritise expenditure for the betterment of the game in the long term.”
Grant also used the press conference to announce former league boss John Coates would lead a constitutional review — something widely called for by the clubs.
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