The NRL will attempt to get all 16 of its clubs back on board and working together to reach an agreement on a funding model, and has also brought in Australian Olympic Committee chairman John Coates to help review the competition’s constitution.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman John Grant was the focus of the clubs’ dissatisfaction with the progress being made on the funding model, when all 16 sides reportedly signing a letter of no-confidence in him and called for his sacking on Thursday.
However, Grant has so far defied the calls for him to be replaced and has said he hasn’t seen any such letter of no-confidence.
While Grant said the breakdown in discussions was regrettable, he said the NRL will continue to work towards a compromise with the clubs.
“In our view, the most important thing is to work together to come up with solutions which work for all parties,” Grant said.
The NRL has invited all club and state chairs to a meeting next week with the aim of progressing talks.
That meeting will include updating all the clubs with the current issues surrounding the funding model, including topics like the salary cap and the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) discussions.
Last December, the clubs reportedly reached an agreement with the NRL that they would receive funding worth 130 per cent of the salary cap in 2018.
While no official agreement was signed then, though a memorandum of understanding us, discussions broke down this past Wednesday when four club chairmen stormed out of a meeting with Grant and Greenberg.
The NRL powerbrokers reportedly pulled the club funding agreement from negotiations, arguing it was a pointless topic to discuss prior to finalising the CBA and salary cap.
“We clearly had a glitch on Wednesday but I expect to be able to take this forward,” Grant said.
“I think the relationships I’ve got with the chairs, while they suffered on Wednesday have been very strong.”
AOC chairman Coates has been drafted in by the NRL to lead a review of the competition’s constitution, which has been another sticking point with the clubs, who have called for them to be granted a second position on the ARL’s commission.
“It is an appropriate time to do a constitutional review, and we need appropriate people to lead that and John Coates is second-to-none,” said Grant.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
It would be interesting to know exactly "HOW MUCH" is the ARLC willing to give to the clubs? Last December, the clubs reportedly reached an agreement with the NRL that they would receive funding worth 130 per cent of the salary cap in 2018. SO if we go on those figures with an expectation that the CAP would have been $10m... then... 16 clubs X the $13m would equal to $208m The ARL Commission says it can't afford that amount. Accountants know that figures can be fudged but the Clubs seemed to be concerned about this 130% figure. What about if the ARLC keep the 130% figure but make the Cap amount less? An $8.m CAP x 130% equals to $10.4m X 16 clubs = $166.4m a saving of $41.6M OR An $8.5m CAP X 130% equals to $11.05m X 16 c lubs = $176.8m a saving of $31.2m The Cap in 2017 will be $7.1m inclusive. so an increase of say $900k and/or $1.4m can be attainable. Food for thought?
Parra
Guest
Margaret thatcher once remarked,"a general is nothing without the support of his,her men". She promptly resigned soon after. Perhaps Grant should resign also. Even if he reaches 13 votes and retains his position it could cause further damage to the game, create divisions etc. in parliament if you can't pass bills then it's a double dissolution, remember 1974. Yeah, I think contrary to what I said earlier change will heal relationships and move things forward similar to when smith left after the disastrous tv deal with nine.
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
Whether Grant is correct in stating that they can't afford 130% is largely irrelevant. Without understanding the detailed financials most of us are not in a position to comment. However, to agree to something when clearly you don't know the facts properly and then to renege on it 12 months later is incompetent. Why it has taken Grant 12 months to add up properly is anybody's guess. People say Grant is a great business man but in this particular case he has stuffed up and needs a new spreadsheet. The clubs are right to be miffed because based on that agreement they have started planning for the future. To then change such a crucial agreement 12 months later is unforgivable. Grant should resign because of that mistake. His removal of that agreement will have caused untold difficulties to the clubs who have started making plans. He has placed the clubs in a terrible position.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Last thing I've heard out of the QRL was that they were happy with the way things were going and more or less told the Sydney clubs and nswrl to stop whinging. I wish I was joking about that last bit. That was a while ago though. They may have changed their minds.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
That is true but what is the position of the QRL? Minimum of 12 NRL clubs and the NSWRL are said to be in agreeance. Not sure about the QRL.
Parra
Guest
I agree the clubs need to concede a whole of game funding model is the way forward. i think the real issue is the lack of consultation with the clubs over the past 12 months. I would have engaged them on all sorts of issues and kept them regularly informed about outcomes of reviews, findings etc. if the clubs were aware 12 months ago that funding may change pending whole of game review then they might be more open to it. I don't think Grant deserves to be removed as he has the games best interest at heart but in future the nrl need to improve communication and try and speed up the decision makin process. It's like good marriage that goes bad once communication stops. Basic stuff but then ego gets in the way at times. I would like to see a change in leadership as not expanding is a mistake, and marketing has been diabolical. I remember the Tina turner campaign way back, fantastic...why this can't be repeated is any ones guess. The nrl should realise this campaign increase the games popularity by 17%. It still is the most successful marketing campaign in Australian sporting history. Do it again...perhaps john quake might do a better job? Who knows
MAX
Guest
A to one Q 75% 16 Club +NSWRL + QRL = 18 votes Needed to oust JG. = 14 votes
Mike
Guest
I think its a bit more complicated than what most posters here think. The biggest problem for Grant is that he apparently agreed 12 months ago to fund NRL clubs to 130% of the salary cap but has now reneged. That is definitely a problem of trust and would need compelling reasons for Grant and the Commission to pull that off the table. Grant has said it is because of monies needed for grass roots of the game particularly declining participation rates - can't argue with that. I come from the bush and know how much regional RL needs help. I saw Grant give something of a presser this arvy explaining his position. Behind him was Commission member and RL great Wayne Pearce obviously in a show of support. At this stage I'm thinking the clubs are on a money grabbing mission and the commission are on a consolidating the code mission. Surely they can come together and work this out.
MAX
Guest
John Coates is a gun for hire. It may be too late to save his mate, John Grant. How can John Grant stay in office if 15 club chairman sign and deliver a no confidence letter? Were the Memorandum of Understanding and Participation agreements ever signed by all clubs? What is Moore Park trying to hide? Roarers would have lots more questions.
Stu
Guest
What do these guys do all year? How hard can it be? Paid too much with no performance or outcomes required - just attend lunches!
John
Guest
Bringing in outside help to resolve an outstanding issue from 12 months ago? Wow can these guys spell incompetence?
Mike from tari
Guest
Is Coates a Constitutional Lawyer???????