A corporate "high-flyer" described as “an outstanding catch for rugby league,” Gary Weiss has joined the Australian Rugby League Commission to "bolster the code’s strategic planning," according to Margie McDonald of THE AUSTRALIAN. Weiss has served on the boards of some of Australia’s leading companies and investment firms, including the Westfield Group, Tower Australia, ClearView Wealth and Tyndall Australia, and "has been a close associate of New Zealand tycoon Ron Brierley," and former Coles Myer Chair Solomon Lew. Fellow ARL Commissioner Graeme Samuel has "known Weiss for more than 30 years." Samuel said, "He’s a person of outstanding intellect, great strategic thinking and a great consultative approach. He's an outstanding catch for the NRL. ... All the commissioners have different skills and expertise but Gary adds another valuable perspective." ARL Commission Chair John Grant made the announcement after former George Patterson CEO Ian Elliot "stood down last month." Weiss "declined to comment when contacted last night." With Elliot’s departure "there are now five foundation commissioners left from the eight-person group" formed in Feb. '12 to guide the game, replacing the NRL board. That number will drop to four when "indigenous education leader Chris Sarra resigns next February." That will "open up the possibility of a second woman being added to the commission" before the '17 NRL season starts. Several candidates "have been mentioned privately," including former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/31).
