Rugby league stands on the brink of an exciting new chapter, as the co-owners of the game have finally paved the way for the creation of an independent commission.
Following extensive negotiations, terms for the constitution of the new governing body were agreed upon by the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and News Limited on Tuesday.
This resolution signifies the end of News Limited’s direct involvement in the sport, marking the conclusion of their endeavor to transition the game into the professional era, which culminated in the Super League conflict of 1995.
A peace agreement was established in 1998, allowing News and the ARL to share control of the NRL, yet Tuesday’s significant development now means eight commissioners will oversee operations, selected by the two exiting entities.
“It’s a historic day, well received by all the attendees at the meeting,” remarked ARL chairman John Chalk regarding Tuesday’s discussions.
“I believe this will usher us into a new era of rugby league. It’s going to be intriguing times for us given the intense competition we face from other football codes… I genuinely think this heralds a new phase.
“… many individuals have been eagerly awaiting the finalization of these matters.
“There’s a quiet revolution occurring within the game, and I truly foresee it benefiting the sport of rugby league greatly.”
Originally, the formation of the independent commission was scheduled for November 2010; however, persistent delays over the constitutional terms postponed the initiative indefinitely.
An ARL board meeting had been planned to formally approve the agreement, but amendments proposed by the Queensland Rugby League needed to gain approval from News Limited officials that day.
Terry Mackenroth, an independent director representing the QRL alongside Bruce Hatcher at Tuesday’s gathering, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“We’re very pleased; we’ve always believed a resolution was achievable, and it has been,” Mackenroth noted.
“It may still take some time for the commission to be established, as there are a few more challenges ahead, but agreeing to the constitution is the critical step.”
Peter Macourt, chief operating officer of News Limited, acknowledged that he could finally perceive a light at the end of the tunnel, indicating a chance for the game to advance.
“We need to finalize the drafting of the agreement, but I believe we are close,” Macourt stated regarding the independent commission.
“We have significant work to do to transition all agreements to the new entity.
“I believe this will result in a very positive outcome for the game.”
The timeline for the commission’s operational start remains uncertain.
An independent consulting firm has been tasked with creating a shortlist of candidates to present to both News Limited and the ARL.
When asked if the commission might be operational by the kickoff of the 2011 season on March 11, Chalk responded, “I would certainly hope for that.”
However, Macourt was less conclusive.
“I’m not going to assign a date to it,” Macourt explained.
“Others tend to set timelines, and we frequently fall short. We’ll strive as diligently and swiftly as possible to establish it.”
