The NRL Club Licence Agreement includes broad, but confidential, clauses that empower the ARL Commission (ARLC) to ensure
good governance, financial viability, and stability across all clubs.
Key obligations relevant to the Wests Tigers situation include:
- Governance Standards: Requiring club controllers (like HBG) to be "fit and proper" and adhere to professional board structures.
- Club Stability: Requiring the club to act in the "best interests of the game" and avoid conduct that damages the NRL's integrity or reputation (like severe internal conflict).
- Intervention Powers: Allowing the NRL to fine the club, withhold funding, or appoint an administrator if a breach of stability or governance is found.
The current investigation will determine if the sudden removal of directors by HBG breached these standards.