Peter Beattie feared for ARLC chairmanship over Jack de Belin case

Todd Greenberg wasn’t the only man sweating on the outcome of the Jack de Belin federal court case on Friday, with ARLC chairman Peter Beattie concerned his job was also on the line.

Peter Beattie had a lot riding on the De Belin judgment. Image: Damian Shaw

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Peter Beattie feared his chairmanship was on the line pending the outcome of the Jack de Belin case in the Federal Court.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed last month Beattie’s job was under threat had the Australian Rugby League Commission lost the case, where de Belin challenged the no-fault stand-down rule.

Beattie championed the rule and confirmed it could have been his scalp had de Belin been able to return to the field.

Peter Beattie had a lot riding on the De Belin judgment. Image: Damian Shaw

“Yes,” Beattie told The Sunday Telegraph when asked if his job was on the line pending Friday’s outcome.

“But I knew I had the support of the ARLC and we were trying to do the right thing for the future of rugby league.

“I know there was speculation about my future linked to the recent court case.

“I am not important. I only acted on behalf of the ARLC in the best interests of the game and only remain as chair with the support of the other commissioners and the clubs. The ARLC works as a team.”

Peter V'landys would have plenty of support if elected in 2020. Image: Mark Evans/Getty Images

The chairmanship is elected annually and Beattie’s three-year term as a commissioner expires next February.

Beattie nominated newly appointed commissioners Peter V’landys and Mark Coyne plus Foxtel’s Amanda Laing as potential replacement chairs should he make way in 2020.

Beattie had promised he would not be in charge long-term.

With the de Belin case finally over, Beattie has drawn up a five-tier list of priorities on which the commission will concentrate in coming months.

Namely:

● Build value in the game to prepare for the next broadcast rights deal in three-and-a-half years’ time.

● Build a future for the game.

● Grow junior players.

● Expanding the women’s game.

● Expand the international game in the Pacific.

Beattie said the commission could now narrow its focus.

“We are determined to move on now the validity of the no-fault stand down rule has been established,” Beattie said. “This has been a difficult time for everyone involved.

“What is important here is the future of rugby league and tackling the challenges we face as a game together. That means the ARLC/NRL, all clubs, the states and the Rugby League Players Association working as a team.”

The RLPA has plans to challenge the NRL, declaring the “no-fault” stand down breached the terms of the collective-bargaining agreement.

Originally published as Peter Beattie feared for ARLC chairmanship over Jack de Belin case