SYDNEY—Former Prime Minister John Howard has been approached by rugby league officials to become the inaugural chairman of an independent commission to run the NRL.
Mr Howard, 70, was sounded out recently by Gold Coast Titans boss Michael Searle, News Limited reports.
Mr Searle is leading an NRL club committee to establish the commission with eight directors.
News Limited understand that Mr Searle is pushing for Mr Howard because he is seen as a distinguished, statesman-like figure with no ties to either the News Limited or Australian Rugby League factions.
The directors currently on the board of the NRL are split down the middle between the News and ARL factions.
Mr Howard is currently in the US but a spokesman said: "Mr Howard has no comment to make other than to say that he has always been interested in rugby league and has the best interests of the game at heart."
NRL chief executive David Gallop said he was aware of the proposed commission and was in support of the move to approach Mr Howard.
"I was made aware it in some discussions I had recently," Mr Gallop told News Limited.
"I'll just say this: to have someone of his high profile and passion involved in the game would be handy.
"I get briefed from time to time on the proposals for the commission but it is something being driven by the clubs and I haven't been involved in any discussion with John Howard."
Mr Gallop would remain as the NRL chief executive and keep his day-to-day responsibilities.
