ARLC reveals improved finances, player behaviour changes

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The ARLC has today announced that the game is in good financial shape with a second straight year of recorded surplus, while outlining new guidelines for player behaviour.

NRL has become more efficient, with $17m of budgeted costs being removed annually in this broadcast cycle.
My key message to fans is that the game is in good financial shape. We are back in the black.
Surpluses are invested back into junior Rugby League or community programs #nrl
— Peter Beattie (@SmartState1) February 6, 2019

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced a turnaround in the game's finances and further measures to improve player behaviour.

ARLC Chairman Peter Beattie said the NRL had reversed its $3.7 million loss in 2017 to record a surplus in 2018.  Details of the surplus will be revealed at the Annual General Meeting later this month.

He said the NRL had focussed on becoming more efficient, with $17m of budgeted costs being removed annually in this broadcast cycle.

"The key message for fans is that the game is in good financial shape," he said.

"We are back in the black.

"And surpluses are invested back into the sport, whether it's through junior Rugby League or community programs."

Mr Beattie said the Commission also endorsed the tough stand taken by CEO Todd Greenberg against player misbehaviour.

"As a next step, we have asked the NRL leadership team to work with clubs, senior players and the RLPA to take immediate steps to reduce the integrity related issues we have seen over the last few months," he said.  

"We want our game to adopt best practice strategies to mitigate the risk of things going wrong off the field.

"The responsibility for delivering this improvement rests with players, clubs, and the NRL."