NRL clubs to grill ARLC chairman John Grant about why no CEO has been appointed

ARL chairman John Grant is set to be grilled by all 16 clubs as to why the NRL are still without a chief executive, during the CEO’s meeting in Auckland on Friday.

NRL funding announcement with ARLC Chairman John Grant, and Clubs rep Bart Campbell.

NRL fans will finally receive their first footy-fix of 2016 with the annual Auckland Nines tournament next weekend.

However, the fireworks won’t be spared for only Eden Park.

Behind the scenes a series of high-powered meetings have been scheduled which have the potential to have a major impact on the game.

Following an ARL Commission meeting which will focus on the game’s financial position, ARL chairman John Grant is set to be grilled by all 16 clubs as to why the NRL are still without a chief executive, during the CEO’s meeting in Auckland on Friday.

It’s been 103 days since Dave Smith resigned as NRL CEO.

And despite identifying league executives Todd Greenberg, Raelene Castle, Jim Doyle, Michael Brown and Accor Hotel chief operating officer Simon McGrath as potential replacements for Smith, NRL clubs will demand why, on the eve of the 2016 season, a decision is yet to be made.

It’s anticipated that a shortlist has already been narrowed with a final candidate unlikely to be appointed before late March or early April.

Interestingly, Grant has spoken openly about the type of CEO he wants to see run the game.

And it is one of which boasts a skill-set far removed from that of the former banker, Smith.

Todd Greenberg has been named as a potential replacement for Dave Smith.

Speaking recently at Rugby League Central for the announcement of the NRL’s 2016 Community Ambassadors, Grant said an overriding factor is that the successful candidate must have knowledge of and love for the game of rugby league.

Clubs are also expecting an update on the NRL’s video referee bunker system during the CEOs meeting on Friday.

The NRL are planning to launch the bunker system in time for the opening round of the NRL season.

While the agenda is yet to be formalised, it’s expected that clubs are also planning to discuss how clubs can increase memberships and improve marketing strategies, what impact the forthcoming reduction of the interchange will have and so too the implementation of the shot clock.

The issue of the NRL being without a chief executive is also expected to be discussed during a phone hook-up on Tuesday among club chairman.

However, the lead item of the discussion will be to determine when and if they will sign a perpetual licence with the NRL from 2018.

At this stage, the clubs have only received a memorandum of understanding, which indicates that the governing body has agreed to provide the clubs with an extra $100 million from 2018 to 2022.

Originally published as NRL clubs to grill ARLC chairman John Grant about why no CEO has been appointed