IN EVERY DREAM HOME - A HEART ACHES

By Robert Corra

Much has been written and said about the proposed Independent Commission to run the game of Rugby League in Australia and amongst the many thousands of words a few definite statements can be made. Firstly, and without a doubt, there seems to be an overwhelming desire to change the administrative structure of the game.This seems to have been strengthened by the 'whitewash' following the investigation into the Melbourne Storm salary cap rort.
 
Secondly, and perhaps more worryingly, the establishment of this Independent Commission seems to be taking some time. In fact, a lot of time. Many Rugby League supporters are perhaps starting to wonder if the dream of an Independent Commission will ever become a reality.
 
In any high level negotiations there are always going to be factors which lead to its success OR, conversely, lead to its failure. In this case, we have a large number of governing bodies with a large number of diverse individuals. But firstly, you have to ask the question; 'Does the game of Rugby League need to change its administrative structure?' Overwhelmingly, the answer to this question seems to be 'Yes'. The game has too many governing bodies all going off on their own tangents. We need one governing body to pull the game together and ship it off in the right direction. But this doesn't seem to be happening.
 
Under the NRL, the image of the game has become somewhat tarnished and in recent times very murky as News Limited's 'conflict of interest' became embarrassingly apparent. And yet, we are told that David Gallop (CEO of the NRL) has to play some part in the Independent Commission. Why? If the same administrators are going to be part of the new structure the process seems meaningless. Its a 'new car - same driver' scenario. Perhaps David needs to be told that he's - lets say - 'damaged goods' and a new structure should be accompanied by a general clean-out. Ditto Colin Love.
 
Of course, in any negotiatios of this type, people in positions of power and prestige are going to have to relinquish those positions. And, in the game of Rugby League, a nuclear bomb will be required to dismantle these concrete fortifications. Nevertheless, some administrators appear ready to make the sacrifice. BUT, there's a 'bad guy'! And with one click of a type-writer, with one blurted opinion on radio or TV, the main-stream media has set us on a course for FAILURE. The 'bad guy' we are informed is the Queensland Rugby League and  identifying the 'bad guy'  will have one quick result. It will get their backs up!!! And harden the stance they've taken!!! NEGOTIATIONS OVER and there have already been some petty threats to take legal action over any minor conflict that arises. Sit back and watch the gaps widen.
 
The QRL has some concerns about the make-up of the Independent Commission and how much representation the QRL will have in the new structure. Sure, this is a worthwhile concern but its not the MAIN game. The main game is to get News Limited out of the games administration. Squabbles over how many people your going to have and how many they have are secondary. The main game is News Limited. And once they are removed, the games image and the supporters  faith in the administration can start to be restored. It won't be an easy task as News Limited has a reputation for dictating - not negotiating.
 
Along the way, various individuals have stuck their heads up to make the whole situation a little more interesting. One of those, is the former Prime Minister John Howard, who is seen by Gold Coast CEO, Michael Searle, as a possible leader of the Independent Commission. No matter what your political persuation, John Howard is viewed as a divisive character. Rugby League needs harmony - not division and perhaps Michael Searle's judgement needs to be questioned.
 
Another to appear is one - John Ribot de Berseac - who has apparently gained some influence with the QRL. How this happened is perhaps a story in its own right. But John needs to realise that his Rugby league legacy has already been written. Anything after Super League is superfluous to his cause.
 
The November 1st dead-line for the creation of the Independent Commission seems a long way away. For Rugby League supporters, the Independent Commission seemed like some sort of El Dorado - a hoped for dream. But unfortunately, for the game of Rugby League, in every dream home - a heart aches.
                                                                               

Yours in Rugby League,
                                                                               

Rob Corra