Phil Rothfield: 21 things Peter V’landys has done in top job

Most achievements of Peter V’landys on this list get a big green tick, but there are some genuine negatives, writes Phil Rothfield.

Peter V'landys has achieved plenty in his short reign as ARLC chairman. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Rugby league used to operate in slow motion.

The game just dawdled along with no head-office energy or innovation.

Problems would often take years to fix. There were more committee meetings than tries scored.

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TV ratings and crowds would plummet but nothing was ever done about it.

Then along came a hurricane called Peter V’landys.

In less than two years he has led the most dynamic administration in Australian sport, in which he has:

Peter V'landys has achieved plenty in his short reign as ARLC chairman. Picture: Jonathan Ng

1 Saved the game and clubs from Covid;

2 Got rid of Todd Greenberg;

3 Negotiated new TV deals;

4 Repaired corporate relationships;

5 Slashed $50 million in wage costs;

6 Restored relationships with clubs;

7 Dumped two referees;

8 Axed former players in the bunker;

9 Brought in the captain’s challenge;

10 Introduced the ‘six-again’ rule instead of ruck penalties;

11 Given clubs substantial cash increases during Covid;

12 Launched a suburban ground funding campaign;

13 Took on the AFL;

14 Amalgamated NSWRL and CRL after years of failed attempts;

15 Revealed plans to inject funds into bush footy and clubs to adopt regions;

16 Introduced a high tackle crackdown;

17 Changed the bunker referral process;

18 Brought in the two-point field goal;

19 Introduced play-the-ball restarts instead of scrums;

20 The 18th man interchange;

21 And the 20/40 kick, even if it’s never used.

Peter V'landys is a proven innovator. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Most of the above gets the big green tick of approval.

This is why V’landys got the roaring applause on the official stage on Anzac Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, an acknowledgement of everything he has done.

There are however negatives — too many blowouts, increased injuries and a falling out with senior players and powerful types like Phil Gould over a lack of consultation on big issues.

V’landys operates at a breakneck speed, as fast as Charlie Staines or Josh Addo-Carr.

Sometimes you want to throw him a chill pill.

His one weakness is that he can be impatient. He wants things done yesterday, not down the track.

Hence the mid-season Magic Round sin-bin crackdown on high tackles that 70 per cent of fans have furiously opposed as extreme and unwarranted.

Typical of V’landys he will not back down, despite your columnist reporting of serious anger and unrest among senior players across the game about a lack of communication.

Concussion is a serious threat to the game’s longevity.

ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys poses with NRL captains during the 2021 NRL Premiership Season Launch (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I know in my own conscience we’re doing the right thing,” he says, “I think people are starting to understand the accidental high contact will be okay.

“Maybe we went a touch hard in Magic Round but overall the refs are doing a great job.

“We had to act quickly. If you see a pedestrian crossing the road, about to get hit by a car, there’s no time for a committee meeting.”

While not easing his stance, V’landys says there will be a complete review and wide-ranging summit at the end of the season.

“We’ll have sports doctors, brain experts, high performance staff, 300-game coaches, players and the best administrators,” V’landys said.

“This is the most important issue the game has ever faced. We’ll look at every bit of data and every bit of research that is available.”

This is welcoming news for agitated players, one of whom told me over the weekend: “They’ve got to stop listening to just Wayne Bennett and Wayne Pearce.”

RLPA boss Clint Newton is also demanding more dialogue.

“Listening and respecting the collective views of players remains a critical stage in any decision-making process and we have been assured this will happen moving forward,” Newton said.

“If activated, a whole of game summit is a positive initiative, however, it is essential that we have a seat at the table in any discussions that impact the workplace environment of our members.

“Players deserve to be respected and they want us there advocating on their behalf. It’s also something the game needs when addressing rules and game changing initiatives.”