Peter Beattie said that having three potential future ARLC chairs is a "good thing."GETTY IMAGES
Peter Beattie is not "prepared to put an end date on his time" as chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission but he "endorsed the claims of Peter V'landys, Amanda Laing and a third incoming commissioner to the throne" as part of a succession plan for his departure, according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. Beattie also revealed that plans for a two-day retreat in the Blue Mountains at the end of this month to strategize the game's future "would be turned into an annual event." The ARLC reportedly enlisted consultancy firm Colgan Bauer to address the meeting on the future of the broadcasting and digital landscape. Both areas are "likely to have a significant impact on Beattie's other baby, expansion." Beattie "may not be around to see that happen given he has always insisted he would not overstay his welcome." Question marks "hover over his potential replacements." V'landys is the CEO of Racing NSW, which "is one of the country's smartest administrations" -- as evidenced by the success of The Everest -- "but is seen by some" as divisive. Laing "is conflicted by her role with Foxtel, which is likely to mean she will be forced to step aside" when negotiations begin over the next broadcasting deal. That makes the appointment of a new commissioner early next year "potentially pivotal." Beattie confirmed that "a third fresh face would be brought onto the commission early next year" and he would "like that person to be capable of filling the chair role." He said, "There will be another change in the commissioners in February 2019, but more on that next year. In the meantime, it is sufficient to say the commission will have (three) potential future chairs, which is a good thing" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/17).
