The long-awaited new Australian Rugby League Commission has been officially launched by chairman John Grant and hailed as a great new era for rugby league by chief executive David Gallop.
The commission, which has been almost four years in the making, will take over the game with immediate effect with the former ARL dissolved at a meeting at 8.30 (AEST) on Friday morning ahead of a media conference which also commemorated the opening the code’s new HQ at Moore Park.
Long-standing NRL chief executive David Gallop will assume a similar role with the new commission which is made up of seven other members from the business world.
The new set-up also brings to a close News Limited’s 17-year involvement in the running of the NRL.
The new board members are Gary Pemberton, the man widely credited with securing record broadcasting rights for the Sydney Olympics, Harris Farm founder and chairwoman Catherine Harris; brand strategist Ian Elliot and business heavyweights Peter Gregg and Jeremy Sutcliffe.
Highly-respected indigenous educationalist Dr Chris Sarra – Queensland’s Australian of the Year in 2009 and a key figure in the Indigenous All Stars concept – is also on board along with former NSW skipper Wayne Pearce.
The end of the current ARL will not affect the NSWRL and QRL, who will continue to oversee representative sides in their respective states.
The Country Rugby League will merge with the NSWRL and be based at the new HQ in Sydney.
Also on Friday, the NRL’s new $20 million headquarters were officially opened in a move Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese saying Rugby League Central would become the home of the sport in Australia.
The Federal Government chipped in $11 million of the $20 million needed to build the four-storey building at Moore Park, with the NRL funding $7.5 million and the NSW Government $1.1 million.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Bearfax Have to agree with your summation,and perhaps it hurts me to do so.Gallop at least has to continue to perform,as there is a contractual clause,he receives a payout of $750,000 if he doesn't see out his 4 year contract. The real test of the new I.C's mettle will be the next Tv contract/s.if they fall short of expectations,there will be rumblings beneath the surface and the likes of Gould,Masters will emerge from the journalistic ether,whining and whinging and with reason. One objective of the new I.C should be facility improvements at some of the grounds such as more cover for the patrons.Provide more cover,you get more people through the gate during inclement weather. Grassroots is an imperative,city and country areas must be assisted.
Bearfax
Guest
A seemingly very qualified bunch though could have had a few more ex RL smarts. Not happy with Gallop as CEO but I guess cant expect wonders. I'll reserve judgement on this lot and check out their first big test and see how they manage nabbing an at least equal share of the kitty that Oz Rules were granted, now that Telstra is crying poor. Rugby League may not get the crowds at the games Oz Rules does, but it has a superior television audience apparently overall so if they dont get at least an equal share of the TV financial goodies, it will demonstrate which code has the better management and media influence.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
B.A Sports.Wayne Pearce? Current ,qualified ,au fait with the modern game both locally and internationally,respected by his peers and those within and outside the rugby league community.A bit of youthful experience exuberance in any businessis a bonus. A uni graduate ,with his own business in building character ,confidence etc.Involved in the speaking circuit to that end. One does not have to be a great orator to be effective,with a team environment.I could list a line of politicians who fit that bill.
Gaz
Guest
BA, Comes from NSW, other than that, no idea. With all due respects to Junior, he doesn't appear all that bright on Fox. Might be the players representive. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
B.A Sports
Anyone worked out yet why of all people, Wayne Pearce is on the Commission?
Johnno
Guest
Ian i should of explained better and yes only Johnno would suggest such redevelopment as Johnno is smart and a intellectual Ian. Having a new 25,000 seat stadium with corporate boxes maybe indoor Belmore oval would be good, and help sydney Olympic get an A-league license, and get the bulldogs and rabbits to use belmore as a home ground or a new west sydney club not olympic, that's why Ian.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Only Johnno would suggest knocking down a stadium for 25 000 people to build a stadium for 25 000 people.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Got my ticket for Sunday, hope the Army brings the noise.
Johnno
Guest
A boutique 20,000 seat stadium for belmore would be so good or 25,000. Right on a train line at your door step, easy to get to for any 1 in sydney great location for a new stadium.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Sweet as, now for the important issue, namely restoring Belmore to it's former glory.
Tom, Sydney
Guest
Hooray!! Lets hope that they live up to my high expectations!
Brendan
Roar Rookie
I like the sound of John Grant so far, he seems like a switched on guy!
Brendan
Roar Rookie
Huzahh!! Great day in rugby league history! Onwards and upwards.