NRL clubs fail to agree on new-look constitution as vote postponed until March 12
PETER Beattie will need to call upon every bit of his political nous after the game’s worst fears were realised on Wednesday when the clubs were unable to agree on constitutional reform.
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PETER Beattie will need to call upon every bit of his political nous after the game’s worst fears were realised on Wednesday when the clubs were unable to agree on constitutional reform.
On the same day Beattie was sworn in as the game’s new chair — replacing John Grant — three of the 16 clubs would not commit to a reworked constitution with a vote now delayed, leaving Beattie and NRL boss Todd Greenberg to clean up the mess.
The former Queensland Premier’s first task as chairman will be to convince at least two of the three dissenting club’s — Canterbury, Melbourne and Gold Coast — to vote in favour of constitutional reform when the 16 clubs come together against on March 12.
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Clubs met for about an hour and a half before Wednesday’s AGM where it became clear that they would not have the 15 clubs needed for the motion to be carried. As a result the club’s opted against voting and extend the consultation period.
“What the clubs have requested me to do in partnership with Todd is also the same request from NSW and Queensland Rugby Leagues — they have asked me to talk to three clubs who still have some matters they want to discuss in terms of the rule changes,” Beattie said. “I have agreed to do that.
“I will be meeting with the Titans, the Bulldogs and Melbourne. Todd and I will be attending meetings with all the directors and the boards to explain exactly how the rules would work and to answer any of their concerns.
“There was a lot of goodwill in the room. It’s not going to be easy, it is an important step. I am very happy we’re not rushing it to be honest.
“Obvious the state’s power of veto (some club’s have concerns over). The real issue is just how the new constitution would work.”
South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas, who has led the charge for constitutional reform, said he was still hopeful changes will take place.
“Hopefully we get it right on the 12th,” Pappas said.
The Commission will run the game with just six representatives until the club chair’s meet again after Grant and Cathy Harris stood down on Wednesday. The uncertainty has delayed BSW chief executive Peter V’landys and Sydney lawyer Glen Selikowitz plus Queensland Rugby League chair Bruce Hatcher and his NSW counterpart George Peponis from joining the commission.
“ If you have goodwill, you can make any constitution work,” Beattie said. “We have goodwill.
“Todd and I have maintained contact with (V’landys and Selikowitz) to let them know the progress here. We will continue to talk to them. If the constitutional changes as proposed get up on March 12 they are going to be on the commission. We want everyone to be part of this. As far as I am concerned the days of the commission being at loggerheads with the clubs are over. That doesn’t mean we are going to have a love-in. Of course, from time to time there will be differences. But it is about respecting one another and working together. They are in the tent.”
New Canterbury chair Lynne Anderson said her board needed more time to considering the change after recently sweeping to power
“I went in there wanting to learn more and I certainly did,” Anderson said. “When it was obvious an adjournment would be an option we ran with that.”
Storm chairman Bart Campbell proposed in the pre-AGM meeting to lift the number of independent chairs from six to eight.
Despite the uncertainty, V’landys has reaffirmed his commitment to join commission.
“The clubs have shown strong support for my appointment,” V’landys said. “If that support continues I’d be more than happy to join the commission.”
“”Peter Beattie has kept me informed on the entire situation with the commission.
“I’m very appreciative of the transparency and courtesy he has shown throughout this process.
“Peter is only very early into his tenure but he has already displayed great leadership.”