John Grant will quit his post as chairman at the end of his tenure, leaving himself eight months to complete his goal of upsetting every single person in rugby league.
He informed the game’s stakeholders of his decision at 10am yesterday after somehow finding enough money in the NRL’s budget to send an email.
Grant’s call to resign was made Monday evening following a typically gruelling day of avoiding bargaining talks with the Players Association.
The news was met with deep sadness by all involved in the game, with many regretful that he’ll still be around until February.
Appointed as commissioner in 2012, Grant ably fulfilled the role’s charter by kowtowing to the clubs with the greatest of self-preservation.
Across his seemingly endless five-year term, he became known as a man who remained eternally professional in a role he was always on the cusp of losing.
Grant was responsible for the appointment of the wildly popular David Smith, a move that broke ties with years of tradition in rugby league administration by hiring someone with business nous.
The pair worked in concert to secure a TV deal that would be ultimately remembered for delivering the game unrivalled access and a grumpy Rupert Murdoch.
Grant was also chiefly responsible for using the deal to deliver funding boosts to essential areas such as grassroots, digital strategy, and pretty much anything else provided it wasn’t the players.
He then saved the remaining $192 million surplus with such security that it remains undetectable to this day and will most probably never be located.
But despite Grant leaving nothing from the deal but some Cabcharge receipts and a couple of cool Tweets, his term was not without controversy.
(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
His delaying of next year’s funding figures left the clubs seething, as it disrupted their planning for recklessly spending money that isn’t theirs on stuff they shouldn’t spend it on.
Clubs have since rallied to destabilise Grant, labelling his repeated postponing of handouts as woeful financial governance.
They remain unhappy at being unable to plot blowing the NRL’s money on a talent arms race at the disregard of other critical arms of their businesses, like hiring front room staff, or in Newcastle’s case, any room staff.
Clubs accused Grant of being disrespectful, believing he held a blatant disregard for their impeccable record of financial management which stands at 2/16ths solvent.
In the end though, the joke was on the clubs, with Grant deciding to head off in to the sunset to leave the reckless financial management to them.
Despite his early announcement, the retiring chairman plans on taking a business as usual approach to the final months of his tenure.
His time in handover mode will be spent completing the job of stacking the crowded underside of his bus with some of the game’s leading figures.
Grant also plans on playing a prominent role in the recruitment process for his replacement, promising to find an appropriate candidate with an exhaustive, office-wide search.
His final appearance in an official capacity will be at the World Cup, which he will mark by mistakenly pronouncing a team like an AFL-following politician.
Fix the scrums
Guest
Better leave it to the so called experts like Phil Gould who is doing a magnificent job in clubland with his Panthers, LOL!! What a joke. Then the game can get on with expansion with all that extra money and vision the NRL were bragging about only recently. But hang on, things aren't that Rosie, so they say! And they want taxpayers to have faith in the NRL and fund new stadiums. Grant could be making his exit just in time before things get ugly. This saga will provide more laughs yet.
Big Daddy
Guest
While they are their they will continually be putting their hand in their pocket. I know it sounds cruel but they have to be cut loose. No leagues club to support them. Poor administration and poor coach. I agree -- why would you go there. Nathan Brown is getting rid of player's that don't figure in his ongoing plans - who does. I don't think Wests Newcastle will get involved -- too much risk.
Fix the scrums
Guest
No buyers for the Knights or Titans yet. The NRL have no more money to chip in, or so they say. Everyone's accusing the NRL of being a basket case. Why would you buy a club that bleeds money? Good luck. Funny article by the way.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Dane, I think this is your finest that I've had the pleasure of reading. There are about half a dozen pearls in there, and I chuckled all the way through. I consider this the crescendo: "Clubs accused Grant of being disrespectful, believing he held a blatant disregard for their impeccable record of financial management which stands at 2/16ths solvent." hahaha! Gold.
Big Daddy
Guest
Can john grant leave a legacy of deciding what happens to Knight''s. It is 3 years since Tinkler gave up licence and 12 months since a committee was formed to sell off this franchise. Time is getting and the longer this goes on the worse it looks. Also 2017 salary cap is still undecided. If it sounds like NRL bashing it is. Can't these people ever make a decision.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Let's enjoy John's last 8 months of 'governance'.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
You guys, I'm blushing!
your kidding
Guest
Well written Dane and very funny with a touch of realism.
matth
Guest
I think the next best step might just be the inanimate carbon rod.
matth
Guest
I find your reaction whenever the Raiders have a decision go against them to be hilarious.
kk
Roar Pro
Dane is one of the most gifted writers in Australia. We await the book. I would love to see him team up with Joel and Ethan Coen of 'Fargo' fame.
Farqueue
Guest
I finally agree with Tim on something.
Tim Gore
Expert
Best writer on the Roar. Wish I could be funny... I mean deliberately funny BTW.
kk
Roar Pro
Good morning Dane. First thought: Ironical that $192M corresponds with the number of games in a H & A season. Rugby League has become a Dick Wolf production on location in Sydney. Chicago may soon replace Los Angeles as our sister city. How long before the script allows the enigmatic "Hank" Voigt to discover the missing $192M in one or more of the zip-up body bags which are essential gear in his occupation. John Grant is essentially a very private perfin who stamped his authority and skill on the paddock and generously played for zero when his club had $zilch. I will remember John for those efforts. Come February, 2018 he can escape the turmoil at Spendthrift Castle some of which rests on his shoulders. He did not seem to understand that a unit without efficient internal control is like a team without a reliable cover defence. Hello "Hank" What do you mean, you only found $162M!