Post by Druzik on Mar 18, 2009 4:10:02 GMT 10
NRL considers handing over ownership to clubs
March 18, 2009 12:00am
March 18, 2009 12:00am
THE NRL will consider handing over ownership of the competition to its clubs in the biggest structural overhaul of its history, league chief David Gallop has revealed in Rugby League Week magazine.
News Limited (the publisher of The Daily Telegraph) and the Australian Rugby League have been co-owners of the NRL since 1998 but a sub-committee is looking at a new structure which would give both organisations the chance to eliminate or reduce their involvement.
Members of that sub-committee had hoped to keep the dramatic plan secret but South Sydney owner Russell Crowe let the cat out of the bag on the Footy Show last week, although he presented the proposal as an mere suggestion.
Gallop admits in RLW that "the idea that clubs become direct owners of the NRL is one that is currently being looked at''.
"The equity in the NRL would be an asset added to each club's balance sheet.'' Gallop said. "I'm sure Russell's ideas will be taken on board.''