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ARL commissioners throw their support behind John Grant

John Grant will now head up the RLIF. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
28th November, 2016
24

The rest of the Australian Rugby League Commission have unanimously thrown their support behind embattled chairman John Grant.

Grant is fighting for his job after the NRL on Monday formally received an application from disgruntled clubs calling for an emergency general meeting to oust the chairman.

But Grant’s seven fellow directors stood behind their boss on Tuesday after pencilling in December 20 as the day the 26 stakeholders decide on his future.

Clubs require a minimum 14 votes to remove Grant as chairman of the ARLC.

“It is highly disappointing that they (clubs) have taken this course of action given John’s unwavering commitment to the game over the last five years,” the commissioners said.

“John’s appointment as inaugural Chair recognised his qualities as a successful business man, who as a former Kangaroo, was ideally suited to take the game forward.

“He has since undertaken his role without bias and with the best interests of the game as his priority at all times.”

The commission re-iterated Grant’s reasons for reneging on a funding model agreed to last year, citing the need to fund the grassroots, women’s game, participation and digital exposure.

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They urged clubs to return to the negotiating table that was believed to be set for this week.

“We would urge the clubs to accept our invitation to engage in open dialogue at the earliest opportunity,” they said.

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