ARL Commission Chairman John Grant has slammed aspects of the new-look constitution
OUTGOING ARL Commission chairman John Grant’s final act could force the game into a bitter civil war.
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OUTGOING ARL Commission chairman John Grant’s final act could force the game into a bitter civil war.
A period of uncertainty and confusion looms for rugby league with the game’s constitutional reform on the brink of imploding, bringing down 12 months work.
It was thought that Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys and Sydney lawyer Glen Selikowitz would join the ARL Commission after being endorsed by the clubs on Friday morning.
However, their appointments — plus those of state-based representatives George Peponis and Bruce Hatcher — are now uncertain after Grant slammed aspects of the new-look constitution while also proposing a secret ballot when the club’s vote to adopt the new constitution at the AGM on February 21.
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It is seen by some within the game as a move by Grant to block the reform, with just two
clubs needing to put a halt to the revamped Commission. It means the frosty relationship that Grant has with some club powerbrokers will remain until the bitter end.
It is understood the Tigers, New Zealand, Gold Coast and Melbourne have expressed concerns regarding constitutional change.
In an email sent to club chairs on Friday and obtained by The Saturday Telegraph, Grant claims the 16-clubs had “failed” to deliver a new constitution which was “a representative of the future not the past, being modern in its expression, and being one that defines a workable, efficient and effective governance environment for the governing body of rugby league in Australia.”
South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas — — who oversaw the club’s process — fired back an email labelling Grant’s criticism as “gratuitous commentary”.
There were also thoughts Grant could extend his tenure if the changes are blocked with one club boss declaring Grant’s political manoeuvring reeks of desperation.
“This is John Grant’s last minute shot at glory,” the club boss said. “He’s pissed off a lot of club executives with this desperate move.”
However, Grant ridiculed this suggestion describing it as “delusional”.
“Under no circumstances will I be staying on after the 21st,” Grant told The Daily Telegraph. “I can categorically rule that out. It is not going to happen.
“I don’t understand what anyone’s concerns will be (regarding a secret ballot). People have a right to vote. They have a right to vote as they think.”
Under the constitutional reform, the number of independent commissioners will be cut from eight to six, with the states and clubs to have two representatives apiece on a 10-person body. If the move is blocked, the Commission will be reduced to six people before they start their search to replace Grant and fellow outgoing Commissioner Catherine Harris with two independent nominations. Peter Beattie, who joined the Commission last year, will be the game’s new chair next month.
V’landys was unanimously voted in, receiving the vote of all 16 NRL clubs while Selikowitz received the minimum 10 votes he needed to receive the club’s endorsement. He edged out former Collingwood Magpies boss Gary Pert who received six votes.
There could be further ramifications if the constitution reform is blocked with suggestions the game’s $3 million emergency fund — paid for by the clubs — could be linked to a revamped constitution.