ARL Commissioners confident over game's future

Newly appointed Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman John Grant is confident that rugby league will thrive under its new administration.
Speaking following the launch of the new ARL Commission on Friday, Grant explained "my aspiration for the game (is for) rugby league (to be) the most played, the most watched and the most admired sporting game in Australia.
"The game is built on strong foundation stones, we have the closest sporting competition of it's kind in the world and our players and clubs are regarded for making a positive difference in the community."
Grant is also confident that rugby league is now well placed in the 'battle of the codes' as it faces up to AFL expanding in what has been rugby league's heartland ï¾ western Sydney and southern Queensland.
AAP quoted Grant as stating the rival code will struggle to "take away any turf" from rugby league, "I believe with all the hard work we've done for our game for tens of years at grass roots level, it's not going to be easy for them (AFL) to take away any turf.
"We're competing (with all codes) for the entertainment dollar - that's what these broadcast rights are all about.
"I look at the game today and there's absolutely no doubt we have the most entertaining on-field sport in Australia, if not the world."
"That puts us in a very strong position for the entertainment dollar which can go back into the game."