The Australian Rugby League Commission will be "on the search" for a new chair, with John Grant announcing he will not reapply for the role next February, according to the AAP. But Grant's "decision to leave the penthouse is just the tip of the iceberg," with the ARLC set to undergo its "biggest upheaval since its inception" five years ago. The eight-seat commission could be increased to 10 next week when the National Rugby League meets club chairs. Should the commission changes be "rubber-stamped," the extra places are "likely to fall to club and state representatives that could spell the end of numerous financial disputes." Grant's tenure has "long been underpinned by a bitter funding war with clubs, some of which have been pushing for his removal, after the game's record broadcast deal" in '15 (AAP, 6/7).
'NO WAY': In Auckland, Michael Burgess reported National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors forward Simon Mannering "ruled out the prospect of a players' boycott of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup." Australian media raised the possibility last week "in light of the continuing inability of the Rugby League Players Association and the NRL to come to an agreement on the new collective bargaining agreement." It was reported last week that a Cup strike has been "discussed informally between the RLPA and players," but Mannering "poured cold water on the idea" and said that he "would never contemplate such an action." Mannering added, "No, no way. And I am sure if you talk to a lot of other guys that wouldn't as well. I definitely don't see that happening and definitely won't be supporting it." Mannering agreed the players "need to fight for a better deal," but said that the World Cup would be the "wrong target." Mannering: "I don't know who has tossed that up. I don't think that is the way to go about it, striking at a World Cup" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 6/7).
