NRL clubs demand independent commission

National Rugby League clubs have called on News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League (ARL) to hand over control of the game to an independent commission by the start of the upcoming season in mid-March.

The chief executives, coaches, captains and chairmen of the clubs passed a resolution at their historic meeting at Sydney's Sheraton On The Park hotel declaring their unanimous support for the independent commission and setting a date by which they want it up and running.

Gold Coast Titans Chief Executive Michael Searle explained "it has been resolved in principle that the 16 NRL clubs here today agree to create and to support an independent commission for the administration of rugby league in Australia.

"The independent commission would be truly independent from its inception and in accordance with the criteria outlined in today's meeting. It is also desired that the operative date for the establishment of the independent commission is the date of the kick off of the 2010 NRL season or earlier," Searle said.
Searle, who has been driving the force behind the push for an independent commission and organised today's meeting, said it was now up to News Ltd and the ARL to negotiate the handover.

"I think it is fair to say there was an appetite for change and certainly for the establishment of an independent commission," he said.

"One would hope it will happen sooner rather than later. We just hope that those in power can see a way through to this proposal. We show respect and certainly acknowledge the contribution that many have provided our game over 100 years but we feel it was pretty clear from the meeting today that the model proposed will see us move forward for the next 100 years."
Brad Walter, Sydney Morning Herald

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