Phil Rothfield reveals contenders for John Grant’s job as ARLC chairman

WITH John Grant all but gone as ARLC boss, Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield reveals the key contenders for the job.

WITH John Grant all but gone as ARLC boss, Sports Editor-at-large Phil Rothfield reveals the key contenders for the job.

David Gyngell

Former Channel 9 boss has a huge network of connections within the game and corporate Australia. Understands the club culture and politics better than most. However, his close relationship with Roosters chairman Nick Politis is a potential conflict of interest. Gyngell would also have to stand down from the board of Channel 9 because it’s another potential conflict of interest.

Former Channel 9 boss David Gyngell. Picture: Britta Campion

John Quayle

A popular former ARL chief executive who was forced out of the game after the Super League war. He is now one of the most respected figures in Australian sport and has remained involved in the game on the Newcastle Knights board in recent years. Has the business nous and relationships with the right powerbrokers to fix the current mess.

George Peponis

Probably the outsider in the field. A former Bulldogs legend, sports medicine
doctor and current chairman of the NSW Rugby League. Has huge support from the Sydney clubs and with justification. A smooth operator with long-time connections across the code and with few enemies. Business background not as strong as his rivals but still a great operator.

Bulldogs legend and NSWRL chairman George Peponis. Picture: Brett Costello

Katie Page

A former NRL director who was forced to resign to make way for the independent commission under a revamped administration when News Corp left the game in 2011. The Harvey Norman boss knows the footy fan demographic better than anyone and has all the credentials for the tough job. Sadly, her current role would probably prevent her taking on the job.