National Rugby League side Brisbane Broncos has joined the Gold Coast Titans in "railing against a plan that would have resulted in the states being given unprecedented power on the independent commission," prompting Queensland Rugby League Chair Bruce Hatcher to suggest "it may be better off delaying change rather than acting under duress," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. It is understood the Broncos "outlined their concerns" in an email to South Sydney Chair Nick Pappas, who is part of the club subcommittee overseeing the plan for constitutional change. Chief among the Broncos' worries is the "double standards that appear to be proposed between the states and the clubs." The Queensland and NSW rugby leagues "want their directors to be eligible for the independent commission" -- Hatcher and his NSW counterpart George Peponis have been "earmarked" for the two state positions, which would be created under the plan for the commission's future. The clubs, which were also expected to be given two positions, would be "precluded from having their directors on the commission." It also leaves the entire process of constitutional change "in limbo" given the commission "was expecting a proposal from the states and clubs by Friday" -- a week before the vote on any changes was due to take place. It is understood "several other clubs are also concerned over the position adopted by the states, the reluctance to endorse change among some fuelled by a concern that some clubs may be once again manoeuvring to take control of the game." That perception was "only reinforced" by the states declining to accept a recommendation from Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates to increase the commission from eight to 10 members (THE AUSTRALIAN, 2/14).
