The ARL Commission today announced the appointment of two new Commissioners to fill the current vacancies.
Professor Megan Davis and the Honourable Peter Beattie AC will join the Commission immediately.
Chairman John Grant said the appointments would significantly strengthen the Commission.
He said Professor Davis is one of the nation’s leading constitutional lawyers who has had a long and distinguished international diplomatic career as well as being a champion of Indigenous and women’s rights.
She is also a passionate Rugby League fan who grew up in country Queensland, where rugby league was at the centre of her community.
"It is a privilege and honour to be invited to become an ARL Commissioner," Professor Davis said.
Mr Beattie was Premier of Queensland from 1998 until 2007, making him one of the State’s most successful political leaders.
During this period he was a strong advocate for Rugby League and was responsible for the construction of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and the Gold Coast’s Cbus Stadium.
"I have a great love of Rugby League and I am excited about the prospect of working with the Commission to make the game even greater," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Grant said that with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, finalisation of the club funding and licence agreement, constitutional reform, and the NRL’s digital presence likely to all be completed by year end, the pair were joining the Commission for the next exciting stage of the game’s development.
"I have no doubt these appointments will give the Commission additional expertise and insight as it looks to capitalise on the foundations that have been put in place over the last six years," he said.