Beattie to see Titans over ARLC concerns

NEW ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie will speak with the Gold Coast Titans in an attempt to allay their concerns about proposed constitutional reform.

On the same day Beattie was sworn in as the game’s new boss, the Titans, Melbourne and Canterbury yesterday would not commit to a reworked constitution.

The former Queensland premier’s first task as chairman will be to convince at least two of the three dissenting clubs to vote in favour of constitutional reform when the 16 clubs come together again on March 12.

Clubs met for about 90 minutes before yesterday’s annual meeting in Sydney, where it became clear that they would not have the 15 clubs needed for the motion to be carried.

As a result the clubs opted against voting and extended the consultation period.

“What the clubs have requested me to do, in partnership with Todd (NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg), is also the same request from NSW and Queensland Rugby Leagues – they have asked me to talk to three clubs who still have some matters they want to discuss in terms of the rule changes,” Beattie said.

“I have agreed to do that. I will be meeting with the Titans, the Bulldogs and Melbourne. Todd and I will be attending meetings with all the directors and the boards to explain exactly how the rules would work and to answer any of their concerns.

“There was a lot of goodwill in the room. It’s not going to be easy, it is an important step. I am very happy we’re not rushing it, to be honest.

“Obvious the state’s power of veto (some clubs have concerns over). The real issue is just how the new constitution would work.”

South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas, who has led the charge for constitutional reform, said he was still hopeful changes would take place.

The commission will run the game with six representatives until clubs meet again after John Grant and Cathy Harris stood down yesterday.

The uncertainty has delayed NSW Racing chief Peter V’landys and Sydney lawyer Glen Selikowitz, plus QRL chair Bruce Hatcher and his NSW counterpart George Peponis, from joining.