Under new recommendations "almost certain to be implemented," the 16 National Rugby League clubs "will win two board seats on an expanded 10-member Australian Rugby League Commission," according to Nick Tabakoff of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH.
A further "one board seat each" would go to representatives of both the New South Wales Rugby League and the Queensland Rugby League.
The recommendations -- made in a review of the ARLC constitution by one of Australia’s top sports administrators, John Coates -- mean the commission "will no longer be 'independent.'"
But while the clubs have won board representation -- giving them a direct say in everything from the NRL’s finances, to rule changes, TV deals and stadiums -- the independent members of the commission "will cling to the balance of power." Until now, all eight members of the commission "have been independent."
But Coates said that he "recommended the expansion of the size of the ARLC from eight to 10 members to ensure a two-seat 'buffer' for independents (six independents vs. four non-independents)" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 2/8). In Sydney, Brent Read reported Coates "has reminded rugby league of the threat from other codes" as the states and clubs prepare to sit down to decide whether to endorse his "overhaul" of the game’s constitution. The review "has been largely backed by the commission and shapes as the final stumbling block to peace between the clubs, states and head office." It is understood the clubs and states "have reservations with aspects of the review, including a provision that would forbid directors of the Queensland and NSW Rugby Leagues taking a place on the commission" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 2/8).
