Racing NSW chief executive, Peter V’landys, faces serious conflict of interest scenarios should he be elevated, as expected, to chair the ARLC.

As CEO of Racing NSW, his job is to promote the best interests of the sport in the state. As chairman of the ARLC, he must oversee the development of the code nationally. As the key man in both sports, there will be occasions where the interests of both sports are not aligned. He may call them a convergence of interests but they will be a conflict.

Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys has been publicly anointed by ARLC chairman Peter Beattie as his successor. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Perhaps he can manage this in his current role of ARL commissioner but as chairman, he must be unambiguously acting in the best interests of rugby league.

For example, Racing NSW may go to war with wagering companies to obtain a larger share of their profits but this may mean a smaller share for rugby league.