The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

John Grant versus the NRL clubs: Why are they fighting?

25th November, 2016
19

John Grant is under threat of losing his position as Chairman of the ARLC after a club revolt has threatened to oust him. Here’s the low down on why he might be out the door.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN STICKING POINTS?

The clubs were promised 130% of the salary cap in funding by the NRL late last year, however they were told on Wednesday parts of that original memorandum of understanding were off the table. They also want a greater say in the running of the game. The NRL says it’s focusing on finalising the collective bargaining agreement and salary cap first, as well as directing money into grassroots rugby league

* WHO WANTS ARLC CHAIRMAN JOHN GRANT GONE?:

The clubs are understood to have sent a letter of no confidence in Grant to the ARLC, which could result in an emergency general meeting next week if he doesn’t stand down. Newcastle, St George Illawarra and the Wests Tigers – all of whom have recently been bailed out by the NRL – are understood to have signed the letter, while Gold Coast are believed to be weighing up their options. Grant claims he has not received such a letter

* HOW COULD GRANT BE REMOVED?:

There are 26 members of the ARLC, eight of whom are commissioners. Of the remaining 18 (16 clubs, NSWRL and QRL), 75 per cent – or 14 members – would need to support an emergency general meeting, where a vote would be taken on Grant’s future

* WHO COULD REPLACE HIM?:

Advertisement

Any replacement director is appointed by the remaining members of the commission, as per its constitution. The clubs could suggest they appoint former ARL chief John Quayle, NSWRL chairman George Peponis or former Nine Network boss David Gyngell to the role. If the new chair was to come from within the ARLC, it’s understood CSR chairman Jeremy Sutcliffe could be a popular option among the clubs

* WOULD THERE BE FURTHER CHANGES?:

The clubs are also understood to want two seats on the independent commission – they currently have none. There is also the possibility of giving the states one seat. Changes would have to be made to the constitution for that to happen

* WHAT IMPACT COULD THIS HAVE ON THE COMPETITION?:

This is potentially the biggest threat to the game since the Super League war, however the possibility of a breakaway competition is remote. Only the Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and Gold Coast have signed participation agreements beyond 2018

* WHAT’S GRANT’S RESPONSE BEEN?:

Grant fronted the media on Friday to say he planned on being in the job for a further five years. He is attempting to organise another meeting with the clubs for next week, and has appointed Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates to lead a review of the constitution

Advertisement
close