NRL CEO Todd Greenberg says Mark Coyne future isn’t his decision

Peter Beattie will return from a holiday in Western Australia to hold talks with Mark Coyne before a meeting is called to determine his future on the ARL Commission.

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Mark Coyne is winning his fight to remain on the ARL Commission after it emerged a handful of clubs had already told chair Peter Beattie that he retained their support.

Beattie sent an email to club bosses on Sunday night asking them to provide their views on the matter should they be so inclined.

It is understood he has already received responses from some clubs who believe Coyne is too valuable to lose his place on the commission.

The Daily Telegraph understands they would be happy to see Coyne serve some form of suspension rather than be sacked altogether over his behaviour in Singapore last month.

Coyne pleaded guilty to verbally abusing a police officer during a boozy night out on June 2 and was fined $400.

He has stood down from his position until the ARL Commission decides whether he should be sacked or suspended.

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Greenberg said the call wasn’t his to make. Image: Brett Costello

Beattie will return from a holiday in Western Australia to Sydney next week to hold talks with Coyne before a meeting is called of commissioners to determine his future.

A final decision is expected by next Thursday.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg yesterday vouched for the character of Coyne but distanced himself from any decision on the future of embattled commissioner, insisting his future rests with his peers on the ARL Commission and the clubs.

Greenberg, who provided a character reference for Greg Inglis when the now-retired rugby league star faced court at the start of the year over a drink-driving charge, described Coyne and his wife, Anne, as “great people”.

Pressed whether he would support Coyne, Greenberg said: “Mark has been well known in rugby league circles for a long time and I have known Mark personally for a long period of time.

Mark Coyne’s future should be decided next week. Image: Damian Shaw

“I can’t really give you much clarity but let me be really clear upfront. Any decision on Mark Coyne as a commissioner is made by the commission. It’s not made by the CEO.

“I think anyone who understands good corporate governance understands that this is a decision to be made by the commission.

“He has admitted that he has made an error and it’s up to the commission about what we do about it. I think Mark has done the right thing by standing down immediately and ensuring there is a proper process put in place.”

Beattie has taken the input of all 16 NRL clubs. Image: Damian Shaw

Beattie, who has consulted all 16 clubs about possible punishment, believes the Coyne issue should not be resolved through a phone hook-up.

“Peter Beattie as chairman has also done the right thing by engaging widely with the members and stakeholders before they get to an informed decision,” Greenberg said.

“We need to allow that process to take place. I understand that will happen next week.”