Rugby league 'must adapt or perish'
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/19/2795744.htm
Audio: Interview: Shane Richardson (Grandstand)
http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/20100119-nrl-richardson.mp3
South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson says true independence is the only way forward for the game of rugby league.
Yesterday chief executives, coaches, captains and club chairmen gathered in Sydney and voted to end the 13-year reign of the Australian Rugby League and News Limited in favour of an independent commission.
Richardson says rugby league must adapt to remain competitive into the future.
"We change pretty quickly - we change the rules of the game quickly to make sure it fits in with what fans and people want," he said.
"We have a far [greater] deal of responsibility than our competitors.
"I would like to think that, between the ARL and News Limited, an agreement can be made quicker, sooner rather than later."
NRL club bosses say there are many people who could lead the game to its new era of independence.
Richardson says if all the right steps are taken, the commission could be in place before the 2010 season begins.
"There are a lot of names you can throw up," he said.
"But at the end of the day we are all in agreement that they have got to have independence and they have got to be there to run the game for the whole of the game, not just for the clubs and not just for certain vested interests.
"It's got to be for the whole of the game and I think that's why true independence is the only way forward."
