User:Downie/Essay outline

Limited News Involvement is the Best Thing for Rugby League

The National Rugby League looks set to establish an independent commission to run the sport on November 1. Currently co-owned by media giant News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League (ARL), there is substantial criticism over alleged poor governance of the competition. As it stands, the ARL, the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and the National Rugby League (NRL) all have some say in how the sport is run, making it a complicated and time-consuming process. The independent commission looks to unify the roles and responsibilities relating to the administration of the league which will hopefully bring upon a more efficient and transparent method of decision-making.

News Ltd, in addition to their 50% stake in the game, also own over two-thirds of the Brisbane Broncos and 100% of the Melbourne Storm. This leads to many questions of fairness and a conflict of interest, which will be removed as the new administrators will be independent of the clubs. These issues, such as the Melbourne Storm salary cap drama, again point to poor management which will hopefully be addressed come November 1.

Examples of why News Ltd should no longer be involved as owners of the game:
 * Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal – News Ltd owned team breaking laws of the game for several years, players signing several contracts
 * The recent Manly/Melbourne brawl – both teams fined $50k, Melbourne’s fine paid by News Ltd company to News Ltd company
 * TV broadcast deal and publishing rights – conflict of interest, not enough money going in
 * Will always be a question of fairness when the two News Ltd teams have been two of the most successful in last five years
 * Their departure will result in a more efficient administration structure