Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant "has pledged to continue discussions" with National Rugby League side Melbourne Storm Chair Bart Campbell after the two "held talks over the funding impasse" that threatens to "plunge the game into turmoil," according to Dan Koch of THE AUSTRALIAN. Campbell is the nominated representative of 14 "disgruntled" clubs who will hold an extraordinary general meeting on Dec. 20 which could see Grant "ousted from his position over the decision to withdraw a funding model he had agreed to late last year." Grant reaffirmed his "intention to retain his place at the head of the ARLC" -- a stance "most believe only possible should he reinstate the Memorandum of Understanding" to pay each club a grant equal to 130% of the salary cap. However, he "is understood to have reiterated to Campbell that such a prospect is impossible." Grant admitted the funding model is the "major issue" and that by "reworking" its structure the clubs could expect to receive a figure "very close" to the 130% stated in the MOU. Under the constitution, "the clubs only need 14 of the 26 shareholders to remove a commissioner," and "others are set to fall if, as expected, Grant is given his marching orders." Outspoken Queensland Rugby League Chair Peter Betros "slammed the mutinous move" by the NRL clubs, insisting "struggling entities" such as the New South Wales Country Rugby League would "face financial ruin should clubs seize power of the ARLC." Betros: "I’d fear for (the CRL’s) future if clubs got control of the commission. (The CRL) have no say at all. The NSWRL doesn’t speak on behalf of the CRL. (The NSWRL) are controlled by the NRL clubs. Whatever the NRL clubs say the NSWRL will do -- their structure is very different to the QRL. ... Now after the commission has been doing that they want to take back control -- it’s going back to the bad old days" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/7).