The historic inception of rugby league’s independent commission is at least another week away despite a significant step being taken in Brisbane on Tuesday.
John Chalk officially took over as Australian Rugby League (ARL) chairman, replacing the long-serving Colin Love at a board meeting at Suncorp Stadium.
But Chalk said more would be known about the independent commission’s fate when the ARL and News Limited meet in Sydney next Tuesday.
However, Chalk said the commission would “most certainly” be up and running by the start of the 2011 NRL season.
“Our time frame is sooner rather than later – we haven’t set a date,” Chalk said of the independent commission’s official announcement.
“But we are meeting next week with all parties.”
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) have been accused of stalling the process but NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) delegates are reportedly fiercely determined to push through News Limited’s amendments to the commission’s much-heralded constitution.
The NSWRL approved the constitution’s final amendments last week.
QRL chairman John McDonald said on Tuesday that they still had “some issues”.
“There are a few terms of reference in there that we needed to clarify and we will be doing that today week in Sydney to make sure the wording is correct,” McDonald said.
“But basically we are in agreement with things and look forward to the next stage of talks and then go on and eventually get the commissioners in place.”
Chalk confirmed that an agency would be employed to supply a shortlist of candidates for the eight commissioners.
An NRL club representative will be included in the process for transparency.
Love’s decision to stand down as ARL chairman ended a 20-year association with rugby league.
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