NRL enters ‘new era’ with commission

The chairman of the NRL‘s new independent commission says its introduction is a ‘great day’ for rugby league in Australia.

John Grant will head an eight person body responsible for the complete governance of the game, replacing the previous committee controlled by the ARL and News Limited.

The news comes after months of wrangling over the structure of the new commission.

“This is without doubt an historic day for the game,” Mr Grant said today.

“It may have taken a little while longer to get here than some expected but that in itself is testimony to the significance of what is taking place.

“To be ready to bring the Commission ‘on-line’ as Rugby League Central enjoys its official opening provides a nice synergy at a time when the whole of Rugby League is looking to what we can achieve in the future.

“The commissioners will act as custodians for the game and are committed to acting in the best interests of Rugby League in an environment that considers all parties but which is not aligned to any one area of the sport.”

The commission will be based at Rugby League Central, which has been built with Federal and State Government funding, at Sydney’s Moore Park.

The commission will be responsible for all areas of the game including the administration of the NRL, the development of the sport at grass roots levels and responsibility for the running of the State of Origin series and Australian international matches.