News Articles
12 March 2001
From news.com.au
12 March 2001
NRL to change name
THE National Rugby League is poised to revert to its traditional moniker of the Australian Rugby League.
In a significant compromise yesterday, NRL chief executive David Moffett said he was prepared to change the brand name back to the ARL to kick-start implementation of the new strategic plan.
The NRL released the long-awaited plan last week and the streamlining of the various administrations of the game into one single governing body is recognised as one of the main obstacles to its success.
The NRL, which is half owned by the ARL and News Limited, was formed in 1998 when the war ended and Moffett said renaming the new organisation the ARL would be seen a positive move.
"From a personal point of view I wouldn't mind if it was called the ARL," Moffett said.
"There is a lot of value in that, it says what it is and it gives it that national flavour.
"I'm not going to get hung up on a name, I get hung up on getting together a strategy to take the game forward."
ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said last night there were still plenty of issues to be discussed regarding the strategic plan but he welcomed Moffet's suggestion.
"The process is still being worked through but certainly there is an argument for the name to be carried forward because the ARL has been around since 1908," Carr said.
The strategic plan dominated debate over the weekend but drew lukewarm response in most rugby league circles.
The plan covers a wide range of areas including the reintroduction of city versus country matches, establishing a hall of fame, a player draft, salary cap and loyalty dispensations, relocating the Country Rugby League to a rural area, and the introduction of a strong second-tier competition in NSW and Queensland.
But the most important aspect of the plan is for the NRL and the ARL to join forces and govern the various other arms, including the CRL, Queensland Rugby League and NSW Rugby League.
Moffett was hesitant to put a time frame on the establishment of a new single governing body but said he was confident it would be in place before the end of the season.
He conceded that if a restructure did not take place at the top, then the strategic plan would "sit on a shelf and gain dust somewhere". He also said he would like to head the new organisation.
"Everybody recognises that there needs to be a single governing body and once we have sorted out what that is, I think we can get on with it," Moffett said.
Meanwhile, Northern Eagles chief executive Graham McNaney has opposed a proposed player draft which would see clubs loan players to rival clubs.
A player draft system, which has been on the NRL's agenda for some time, was mentioned in the strategic plan and a model was discussed at an NRL board meeting last week.
Known as a secure players' roster, each club would nominate its 25-man playing roster and five rookies at the start of each season, and any other players not on the list could be loaned to other clubs.
Hypothetically speaking the system would benefit clubs such as St George Illawarra or Penrith at the moment, as they have heavy injury tolls, but McNaney doubted it would get off the ground.
"I was interested to hear of the proposal but I suppose the danger always is that you are letting someone out of your organisation that is going to go and play somewhere else, and then may like it and not want to come back," McNaney said. "I'm not sure if this will get up. I really do need to see more of the detail but on face value I'm not sure if I'm going for it or not. Probably not."
Newcastle chief executive Ian Bonnette has said the club is on track to operate at a profit despite news the Knights have approached former ARL club the Gold Coast Chargers for a $500,000 loan.
Wests Tigers forwards Luke O'Donnell and Tyran Smith will find out today whether they have a case to answer after being placed on report for high tackles against Brisbane on Saturday.
O'Donnell was placed on report twice by debutant referee Shane Hayne for suspect tackles on prop Shane Webcke in the 46th minute and halfback Scott Prince in the 64th, while Smith found himself in trouble in the 49th minute for an alleged high shot on replacement Brad Meyer.
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