Club Bosses Heading For Showdown With National Rugby League Chiefs

A "showdown is looming on Wednesday as some of the game's most powerful figures prepare to confront" National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith over his plan to demand independent directors at clubs, and raise other issues that have left them increasingly disenchanted with League Central, according to Chris Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Frustrated at how the NRL's intentions for governance reform have been presented publicly, club chairpersons "will use the meeting with Smith in Sydney to seek assurances that independents will not be thrust upon them, arguing that the make-up of boards should be assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than a one-rule-fits-all framework." Smith denied reports that clubs will also need to have an independent chairpersons -- "a requirement that would jeopardise the positions of long-standing club bosses" -- but at least one club says they have been told by NRL officials that it is a condition that remains in the blueprint for reform (SMH, 9/1).