NRL Commission Now a Reality
After a three year ordeal the NRL has finally announced the formation of a commission to run the sport.
At an ARL board meeting yesterday, league heavyweights finally decided on the make up of the commission. Seven of the commissioners had already been decided but the search for the eighth and final member of the team had become an arduous one.
However rugby league fans can let out a collective sigh of relief after the ARL confirmed it had settled on an eight person commission, with Chris Sarra, a director of the Queensland Government’s Institute of for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, being named as the eighth member.
The commission was selected by News Ltd Chief Operating officer Peter Macourt, QRL Director Terry Mackenroth, ARL Chairman John Chalk and South Sydney Chairman Nick Pappas, who was representing the clubs.
The make up of the commission must now be ratified by News Limited, however that is believed to be a mere formality.
The establishment of the independent commission officially ends the 13 year partnership between the ARL and News Ltd.
“It’s a halcyon day for the game,” said South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson.
“There are quality people on the commission who are truly independent. It is a big step forward for the next 100 years. In the first 18 months they said it would never happen.”
The Commission will take over the running of the sport itself, while the NRL will remain responcible for the administration side of the game.
It is widely believed that the commission will endorse David Gallop to continue in his role as CEO of the NRL.
The New NRL Commission
Ian Elliott: Former CEO of leading Australian Advertising firm George Patterson Y&R
John Grant: Former Australian World Cup centre and IT guru
Peter Gregg: Chief Financial Officer of Leighton Holdings – One of Australias largest project development companies.
Catherine Harris: Co-founder of the Harris Market Group, the first company to open a supermarket style operation in Australia.
Wayne Pearce: Balmain great who played 193 league games plus 16 origins for NSW and 19 tests for Australia.
Gary Pemberton: Former Chief Executive of the Sydney Olympics, Qantas and Billabong.
Chris Sarra: A director of the Queensland Government’s Institute of for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Sarra also works with the Stronger/Smarter organisation.
Jeremy Sutcliffe: Managing Director of CSR – one of Australia’s largest building materials manufacturers.
