ARL Commission will need to dig deep into the coffers to secure Gillon McLachlan as CEO

IT will take $1.5 million to coerce the AFL's chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan to take the reins as the NRL's new chief executive.

Gillon McLachlan

THE ARL Commission will be forced to increase its offer to $1.5 million a year to secure its number one target for the vacant NRL chief executive position - the AFL's chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan.

Rugby league's chase for a new CEO took a variety of twists and turns yesterday, with leading candidate and Panthers group boss Warren Wilson withdrawing from the race.

The Daily Telegraph understands McLachlan was offered $1 million to replace David Gallop but is seeking a bigger pay cheque to quit AFL and relocate to Sydney. He is already on an annual wage of $1 million as AFL chief operating officer.

The ARLC has submitted a revised offer. It is understood the ARLC will discuss the CEO job hunt at a meeting today, although no decision is expected this week.

Cameron Smith backs McLachlan.

If McLachlan spurns the NRL, and with Wilson unavailable, the ARLC may offer the top job to interim CEO Shane Mattiske, who performed admirably during the recent television rights negotiations.

Mattiske has not been aggressively pursued by the ARLC and there are suggestions he may be reluctant to accept the high-pressure post.

The ARLC is frustrated it hasn't been able to secure a replacement for Gallop, although Wilson could reconsider if contacted again.

Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys is still keen and ready for the job, if selected.

"The ARLC thought they had their man in McLachlan," a well-placed NRL source said.

"But the two parties can't seem to find a financial resolution. I am told Mattiske is next in line. Shane would certainly be a cheaper option."

The NRL has the necessary money to sign McLachlan after the television deal but it's unknown whether the commission would increase its bid by a whopping $500,000 a year.

Well-placed sources in Melbourne believe it is unlikely McLachlan would quit the AFL. He is the logical successor when AFL chief executive

Andrew Demetriou moves on, probably in another two years.

Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg and former NZRL boss Jim Doyle have ruled themselves out of the running. ANZ Stadium chief executive Daryl Kerry has

also been linked to the NRL's top position.

"It is important we get the right person in place and we take whatever time is necessary to be comfortable that we are in that position," ARLC chairman John Grant said.

"This was always going to be a thorough and exacting process and we make no apology for that fact.

"We are delighted with the performance of Shane Mattiske and the management team and that gives us the time to ensure that whatever step we take is the best one for the future of the game."

Demetriou has publicly stated he wanted McLachlan to remain in the AFL.

The ARLC has formed a subcommittee - headed by Catherine Harris - to find the new CEO.