The man who fought de Belin court challenge lands spot on ARL Commission

The final position on the ARL Commission is set to be filled by barrister Alan Sullivan, QC, who successfully represented the governing body in the federal court against Jack de Belin's challenge of the no-fault stand-down policy.

The Herald can reveal ARLC chairman Peter V'landys on Wednesday afternoon put forward Sullivan's name to the nominations committee, which includes state and club representatives.

Alan Sullivan QC will fill the final position on the ARL Commission.Credit:Dallas Kilponen

If approved, the seven ARL commissioners will then vote to fill the last position on the board, with head office looking to ensure they have one of the most respected commercial lawyers in the country at the table in the coming years. V'landys declined to comment when contacted on Wednesday afternoon.

Sullivan will take the position originally earmarked for NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, whose appointment to the ARLC was blocked by former premier Gladys Berejiklian last year.

The NRL, ARLC and NSWRL have all called on Sullivan's services in the past. He is the former chair of the NSWRL and ARL judiciaries. He has also worked with Cricket Australia and Football Federation Australia, while also once holding the title of deputy chair of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.

Sources with knowledge of the selection told the Herald the NRL believes his strong legal background will be invaluable in protecting the game from potential concussion or COVID lawsuits.

ARLC chairman Peter V'landys.Credit:Getty

Sullivan will join V'landys, Wayne Pearce, Peter Beattie, Kate Jones, Megan Davis, Gary Weiss and Tony McGrath on the commission if his nomination is given the final tick of approval.

Meanwhile, the NRL on Wednesday announced rule changes for the 2022 season, which kicks off on March 10 when the Sea Eagles take on reigning premiers Penrith at BlueBet Stadium.

In 2022, penalties will be awarded instead of set restarts (six again) for ruck or 10-metre infringements inside the 40-metre zone of the team in possession.

This will provide an additional deterrence to defending teams who are willing to concede set restarts to gain a tactical advantage. It will also provide more opportunities for teams receiving the penalty to attack from a better field position.

Following the controversy in last year's semi-final between Parramatta and Penrith, when a Panthers trainer was suspended for stopping a match at a crucial moment to attend to a player with a leg injury, the NRL will prohibit trainers from stopping games, except for head injuries.

In 2022 only the referee, touch judges or bunker have permission to stop play for non-head injuries. The NRL also announced that teams will be required to name 22 players when they select teams on Tuesday, taking into account the introduction of the 18th man last year.

A free interchange will only be granted in instances of foul play where the offending player is sin binned or sent-off. A free interchange will no longer apply when players are placed on report.

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