The Newsroom’s James Wardell recaps the two biggest stories in the NRL this week.
Fifteen of the 16 NRL clubs have expressed their total lack of confidence in ARL commission chairman John Grant. The Titans are the only ones left to make a decision on Grant’s future.
Grant would need four clubs to stand by him to remain as chairman but at the moment it looks like he will not find that support.
The vote comes after numerous clubs walked out of a meeting earlier this week regarding the future funding model for teams. The NRL clubs who voted have said they will not continue negotiations while Grant is in charge. Media speculation about a replacement for Grant includes former Channel 9 boss David Gyngell, who advised the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) during its negotiations on a collective bargaining deal.
It is expected Grant’s future will be decided next week when the NSWRL and QRL meet to vote on his position and on changes to the constitution of the game.
The NRL draw has arrived
Christmas arrived early for NRL fans as CEO Todd Greenberg launched the 2017 draw yesterday. The opening round will contain some blockbuster match-ups, like new South Sydney recruit Robbie Farah to play against his former club the Wests Tigers. The reigning premiers, the Cronulla Sharks will open the season against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday, March 2.
The players and coaches demands were met, in part, by a sharp reduction in the number of five-day turnarounds, from 31 to 19. Every team will share in the task of playing around the country to promote the game. The Sydney Roosters, for instance, play the Melbourne Storm in Adelaide in round 16. – James Wardell
Photo of John Grant from the RoarSports Twitter feed.
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