NRL Council formed to tackle the ARL Commission on big issues

NRL clubs have moved to seize back control and authority in the game from an under-performing independent commission.

NRL clubs have moved to seize back control and authority in the game from an under-performing independent commission.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal all 16 clubs have formed what is to be known as the "NRL Council" to tackle the ARL Commission as a powerful lobby group on big issues including the television broadcasting deal.

Commission chairman John Grant has agreed to the high level interaction with the clubs, after meeting their representative, Wests Tigers chairman David Trodden, last week.

From this month, the chairman or chief executive from every club will be represented at quarterly meetings with the commissioners.

A leaked email reveals the clubs will meet at St George Leagues Club today to propose an agenda for the first showdown on August 27.

The clubs have been complaining for some time about the commission's lack of progress and communication since it came into power six months ago.

That the clubs will form the agenda for each council meeting shows the clout they are now carrying.

The anticipated $1 billion TV deal, refereeing problems and next year's salary cap and annual grant will be the main items for discussion at the first meeting.

"The clubs will insist the TV deal is not signed off on until they are made aware of all details," said one prominent club official. "It's the biggest commercial agreement in the history of the game and we'll be going over it with a fine tooth comb.

"The last time this was done, we got no detail or information until it had already been done."

Trodden emailed the 16 clubs last week with details of his recent discussions with Grant which were aimed at getting more power and influence for the clubs.

It follows criticism at the lack of rugby league knowledge on the commission and its failure to properly communicate with stakeholders.

The commission and the NRL have been painstakingly private since coming into power, leaving the perception that nothing is being done.

The 16 clubs are certainly looking for more open dialogue and exchange of ideas on the future of the game.

"After significant discussion with the commissioners (through John Grant), we have reached a consensus regarding how the high-level interaction between the ARLC and the clubs (as a group) should operate," Trodden wrote in his email to the clubs.

"Essentially, the suggestion is that the meetings should be between the commissioners and all of the clubs, rather than a representative group of the clubs as was previously suggested.

"It is proposed that the group will meet on a quarterly basis. The group will be known as the NRL Council.

The clubs are also seeking to provide input on the appointment of the next chief executive to replace David Gallop.

There is now a suggestion the commission has all but ruled out a current club chief executive getting the job.

"Which CEO from the 16 clubs could, hand on heart, say they've never done a suspect deal with a player manager?" one official said.

"If it's true that's the case, how could you put any of them in charge of the game?"

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Leaked email to clubs from Wests Tigers chairman David Trodden

After significant discussion with the Commissioners (through John Grant), we have reached a consensus regarding how the high level interaction between the ARLC and the clubs (as a group) should operate.

Essentially, the suggestion is that the meetings should be between the Commissioners and all of the clubs. It is proposed that the group will meet on a quarterly basis. The group will be known as the NRL Council.