Beattie not ruling out taking top footy job

PETER Beattie has not categorically ruled out becoming chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, despite saying he has no ambition for the title.

Beattie and constitutional lawyer Megan Davis may only have been added to the commission on Tuesday but there is already plenty of speculation the former Queensland premier will replace John Grant as chairman next February.

Beattie is chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, and said the April 4-15 event was his top priority.

But he also stressed his reputation as a workaholic, making the likelihood of dual roles next year not beyond possibility.

“It’s not on my (agenda). That (new chair) will happen down the road, I haven’t even thought about that, that wasn’t the reason for taking the position,” he said.

“I think as a commissioner I can make a contribution and bearing in mind my government’s investment in Suncorp and the stadium here (on the Gold Coast), my credentials are pretty good.

“I didn’t join (the commission) to become the chairman, I joined it because I love the sport.

“And I’m lucky, I’m at an age where I just want to put something back, I don’t want anything.”

But Beattie would not categorically rule himself out of contention, even with an expected overlap of the position and his Games role.

“Look, I know this sounds like a trite answer but I haven’t really thought about it to be honest,” he said.

“The commissioners will have to make that decision.

“And I haven’t even put my feet under the desk yet.

“The first board meeting is next month and my main concern was to make sure that what I was doing didn’t distract form the Games.”