Mark Coyne quits his role as ARL commissioner
Mark Coyne has made a decisive call to end the media attention on his run-in with police in Singapore, announcing his resignation from the Australian Rugby League Commission on Saturday night.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Saint, sinner, shoosh: Cost of Broncos’ underachievements
- Brandy: What does the game want to look like?
Mark Coyne says the focus needs to go back on the game and not himself after he quit the Australian Rugby League Commission on Saturday evening.
But the Queensland Origin hero might not be lost to rugby league with ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie offering Coyne two key roles in the game.
Coyne submitted his resignation on Saturday after meeting with Beattie who had only returned to Sydney from holidays in the morning. It was at this meeting where Beattie informed Coyne he did not have the support of all 16 NRL clubs.
His decision to walk away comes after making a $10,000 donation to NSW Police Legacy. Coyne made the significant contribution to the police force charity in the aftermath of his expletive-laden rant towards Singaporean police last month. It is understood it was an anonymous payment with Coyne not wanting to draw attention to the donation.
Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial >
The Sunday Telegraph learnt Coyne had a slim majority of support from the clubs and states but he did not want to cling to the position without the unanimous backing of the game’s members.
Coyne indicated he would walk away from the role if he felt his position was untenable.
Despite not having a desire to quit before the meeting the former St George skipper understood he couldn’t continue in the position.
“The role was about doing what’s best for the game,” Coyne told The Sunday Telegraph on Saturday night.
“I was at the point given the incident I couldn’t do that in the matter I wouldn’t have liked hence why I wanted to do what’s best for the game.
“Not having the full support from some of the clubs, I felt like it was very hard for me to contribute positively for that reason I decided to hand in my resignation.
“It’s very hard. I loved my time on there. I loved contributing to the game. It’s been an emotional roller coaster. I don’t think anyone likes seeing their name played through the lens of the media particularly with my family. It has taken an emotional toll on me.
“I’m moving through that now. Today is the next step in terms of the progress of where I am at.”
Coyne had long been touted as a potential replacement for Beattie as the game’s next chair. While he said it was too early to decide if he will again put his hand up for a senior role within the game, Beattie has given the strongest indication Coyne will not be lost from the NRL.
Beattie told The Sunday Telegraph he hoped Coyne would remain involved.
“Frankly Mark has put the game first,” Beattie said. “He has taken a selfless decision in the interests of rugby league. Anyone would have to respect Mark for doing that. He is a good person
“I am keen to get him to continue to serve on the competition committee and on the grassroots committee.
“He has put his own interests second to rugby league. I wish there were more people who put rugby league first like Mark Coyne.”
Beattie canvassed the 16 clubs and state leagues last Sunday after Coyne was fined $4100 in Singapore. Coyne’s failure to disclose the incident which saw him stuck in Singapore for six weeks rather than the run-in with police itself caused the most angst for NRL clubs.
There was some consideration to suspend Coyne but he said he wanted to shift the attention away from himself.
Coyne only joined the commission in February having long been earmarked for the role.
“I’m happy with the contribution I’ve made in my months in the commission,” Coyne said.
“I want the focus on the game, not on me, not on any individual.”
Originally published as Mark Coyne quits his role as ARL commissioner
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.