NRL to develop 'core values'

The NRL will develop a core set of values for the game after club bosses were told
rugby league's new independent commission is progressing but still unlikely to be
finalised before the end of the year.
While it had been speculated News Limited and the Australian Rugby League could hand
ownership of the game back to one governing body by the end of 2009, it is unlikely
to happen so quickly.
Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle, the man charged with uniting the game
under one body, told the conference it could be "months" until the negotiations are
completed.
"The parties are certainly trying to support the process," said Searle.
"There isn't a firm time-line on it and people may need to be a bit more patient but
there are some good signs for what can be achieved in the months ahead.
"(The commission) will hopefully lead to a central funding model and a central
decision making process that involves highly skilled and independent people.
"There are still a lot of things to work through and everyone seems to be looking
for a way to do so."
The establishment of the new commission was one of many discussion points at a
meeting of the NRL board, club CEOs and chairmen in Sydney on Tuesday.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said there was "unanimous" support against
expansion as rugby league digs in its heels in preparation for an assault on western
Sydney by the AFL.
Along with a new commission, the game recognises it needs to do more to improve its
brand after arguably the worst year on record for player behaviour yet one of the
best for fan support.
Among the list of initiatives discussed was a "core set of values" for the game,
aside from the individual culture established among NRL clubs.
Restoring the game's battered off-field image is a key focus of the NRL as they
approach another crucial time in the history of the sport.
If the NRL cannot present a unified body and wholesome image when television rights
are sold in 2013, then it would affect their chances of maximising revenue in an
increasingly competitive sports market.
Gallop said getting the most bang for their buck to give back to clubs, players and
juniors was the main focus and that expanding the competition would not be
entertained unless it would guarantee growth in all those areas.
"You can't do those things and invest in expansion," said Gallop.
"And until there is a strong business case for any expansion contributing to the
growth of the competition then it will not be part of our immediate plans."
Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg believes rugby league is making all the
right decisions and plans to fight off AFL's advances.
"There is no doubt the independent commission is an important thing for the game but
not necessarily to combat AFL," he said.
"I'm encouraged by what I heard today and it sounds like there's been some good
progression."