Australian Rugby League's "disgruntled clubs have made a counteroffer to the ARL Commission that would result in John Grant remaining as chairman for a further 12 months but then stand down and pave the way for others to take charge of the game," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. Only days before an extraordinary general meeting designed to "lop off Grant's head," it is understood the clubs responded to the commission's latest offer with a proposition of their own that would allow the chair to "fight off his axing." However, the agreement would be "conditional on Grant stepping down at the end of next year." The commission is due to meet Friday to discuss the clubs' latest proposal. Grant, who said that he still "expected to be in charge of the game" in five years, now has "genuine hope that he will survive the push to have him removed." It is believed the clubs have been "given indications that their financial requirements will be met" -- they want the annual grant to be 130% of the salary cap from '18. While that concession "will ease some of the tension" between the clubs and the commission, it is "likely to result in the pressure being moved elsewhere," in particular the talks between the National Rugby League and the Rugby League Players Association over the collective bargaining agreement (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/16).
