NRL CEO Says League Will Not Force Directors On Clubs That Have Their Houses In Order

National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith "told apprehensive club supremos that independent directors will not be forced upon them if they already have their houses in order, saying the competition's landmark governance reform would be implemented on a case-by-case basis," according to Chris Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Smith "met with club chairmen on Wednesday, tasked with trying to quell an increasing mood of discontent in club land towards League Central." Central to the concerns of club heavyweights "has been the belief that they would have to adopt a standardised directorship model based on what is being assembled at Wests Tigers, with three independents on a seven-member board." But Smith said that "teams would not be compelled to comply with a one-rule-fits-all policy." Smith said, "Every club is going to be different because every club is at a different stage of evolution. It's got different members, it's got a different junior structure" (SMH, 9/3).