The National Rugby League is "heading towards another revolt from angry clubs," according to Paul Crawley of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. And in a move that could "potentially lead to clubs blocking the next TV deal" and tearing down the Independent Commission, 10 clubs "gathered on Thursday for a high-powered meeting in Sydney." The clubs "were called on to unite as one to fight for more financial support and a greater say in the running of the game." At this point clubs "want to work through their grievances with NRL and boss Dave Smith to come to a resolution that they believe will ultimately benefit the sport and the club’s long-term viability." But "if they are ignored this could potentially explode into an all-out rugby league war." Clubs could block the TV deal beyond '17 if they decide as a group not to take up their next offer of an NRL license, "which are negotiated in conjunction with the TV deal." It has been estimated the next TV deal could be worth A$2B ($1.57B) "but without the support of all clubs it would make it almost impossible to sell" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 5/21).
