QRL chairman Peter Betros slams ‘selfish’ clubs for ignoring John Grant’s olive branch

QRL chairman Peter Betros says only three of the 16 clubs have responded to the John Grant’s invitation to hear the NRL’s explanation of the game’s finances.

QRL Chairman Peter Betros has slammed the 13 clubs playing hardball with the NRL. Picture: Tim Marsden.

QRL chairman Peter Betros says the NRL clubs trying to depose John Grant are being “selfish” and urged them to attend information sessions on the game’s finances.

Only three of the 16 clubs have responded to the NRL’s invitation to hear the NRL’s explanation of the game’s finances, according to Betros.

The QRL chairman said he is trying to advocate a solution that included a new-found ability for the NRL clubs to nominate representatives to ARL Commission places when spots open up.

“The olive branch has been offered by John and the Commission to come back into the room and sort it out,’’ said Betros, who sits as one of the 26 stakeholders at meetings including the 16 clubs.

“He’s offered to put the memorandum of understanding (guaranteeing club funding) back on the table and discuss from there a funding model.

JOHN GRANT: ‘my removal isn’t going to do anything’

QRL Chairman Peter Betros has slammed the 13 clubs playing hardball with the NRL. Picture: Tim Marsden.

“They have invited all the members to attend four alternative days offer and they’ve had very little response from the clubs.

“The clubs are hellbent on calling for this extraordinary general meeting (on December 20) with the purpose of trying to oust John. I think it’s a completely selfish move. They need to give John a chance to remedy the situation and find a solution for all parties.

“The game is about to go into a new period of financing in a very lucrative condition.

“I’d like to call on the (14) other clubs to put their anger aside for the time being and see if we can work out a solution rather than go down the destructive path of trying to get rid of a chairman who has been absolutely outstanding for the game.’’

Betros said he understood the clubs wanted a voice on the ARL Commission and it could be done without changing the constitution or expanding its eight-member panel.

“The QRL has supported the clubs’ desires and we’ve suggested the commission could call for nominations from the clubs to put up their own commissioners,’’ he said.

ARL Commission chairman John Grant is fighting to save his career. Picture: Steve Holland

“We feel that’s the middle ground and can be done quickly. The commission rotate on a three-yearly basis and there are always commissioners coming up (at the end of their term).’’

The QRL and the NSWRL are on either side of the game’s most pressing argument.

“It’s very simple why. The Queensland Rugby League is a body made up of independent and game personnel,’’ Betros said.

“The NSW Rugby League have got two independents on there, but is controlled by the NRL clubs.

“The NSWRL have indicated they are willing to alter the constitution to take away the states’ power out of the constitution. The QRL is certainly not interested in any alteration to the constitution.’’

Asked if he had been surprised by the NSWRL’s stance, Grant said: “The state leagues are really about the grassroots and this discussion is about the appropriate amount of money to grassroots. It’s disappointing NSWRL doesn’t seem to think that’s the agenda.’’

In the meantime, lobbying behind the scenes will attempt to sway less convinced clubs to join the NRL’s group or remain with clubs agitating for Grant’s removal.

“There can be more dialogue and I know there is some. A lot of the dialogue is negative,’’ Betros said.

Originally published as QRL chairman Peter Betros slams ‘selfish’ clubs for ignoring John Grant’s olive branch