NRL CEO Todd Greenberg today strongly rejected reports by the Sun Herald that the ARLC Chairman John Grant had 'launched a private investigation' by having a discussion that had been recommended by another senior figure in the game.
"It is ridiculous that a conversation our Chairman had in January - just one of hundreds he and I have throughout any year - has suddenly now become a matter for comment. There is no basis at all for the claims made," Mr Greenberg said.
Mr Greenberg went on to say that both he and Mr Grant regularly met with people who wanted to share information and views about the game.
"In this case, John took up an invitation to meet someone who had been recommended as a person who could provide some insight into the game.
"John has an absolute right as Chairman to have conversations with anyone and about anything he believes is in the interests of the game, without being publicly cross-examined.
"Indeed, I have similar meetings with all sorts of people in the game - from players, to managers, fans and officials - and we share that information.
"It will be a sorry day for Rugby League when the ARLC Chairman cannot have a discussion with someone who might have views about Rugby League."
Mr Greenberg said he had enjoyed a strong and respectful relationship with Mr Grant throughout his tenure as CEO.
"There is no person more committed to what's good for the game than our Chairman," he said.
"We have been through many ups and downs together and we have a stronger bond than ever."
Mr Greenberg condemned those in the game who chose to use gossip and unsubstantiated comment to make their point.
"These kinds of claims do no one in our game any good at all," he said.
