National Rugby League clubs received an additional A$13.8M in funding above their annual A$7.2M grants last season, "but some are unhappy they had little control in how it was spent," according to Brad Walter of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The NRL "recently announced an operating surplus" of A$49.9M ($38M) for the '14 season "but there is disenchantment among some clubs" that the figure included A$28.1M ($21.6M) directed at growth initiatives and strategic priorities to build future value for the game. Of that money, A$17.9M ($13.7M) was paid directly to clubs and the state leagues, including A$450,000 ($346,000) per club to strengthen their financial position and operational capability, and A$1.9M ($1.4M) "for the establishment of a central support unit to assist clubs with financial sustainability and commercial opportunities." An additional A$4.8M ($3.6M) "was invested to support clubs in growing their membership base and game day attendances." However; "some club bosses believe they should have greater control" over how the A$344.9M ($265M) revenue the game generated last season should be spent and the issue will be discussed at a meeting of club chairmen. While there is "genuine discontent" among some clubs, the majority are supportive of the NRL and believe that "the game is in far better shape than before the advent of the ARL Commission in 2012" (SMH, 3/8).
