The ARL Commission and NRL clubs today signed a binding agreement which will secure the long term funding of the clubs.

The two parties also agreed to expedite a review of the constitution.

ARL Chairman John Grant and Club Chairs representative Bart Campbell said the agreement was a breakthrough for the future of the game.

They said both parties had changed their original proposals and worked collaboratively to reach the agreement.

"Under this agreement, the clubs will have the long term financial security they have been seeking," Mr Grant said.

Mr Grant said the package included:

o A significant increase in club payments in the next five year cycle

o A special fund set up to assist financially distressed clubs

o A 65 per cent increase in funding for grassroots rugby league

Mr Campbell said the agreement would ensure that the game was strong at every level – from grassroots through to the elite.

"The clubs and Commission have a common goal – to make Rugby League as strong as possible into the future," he said.

"This agreement delivers the funds needed to achieve that target."

Today's meeting also determined that Mr Grant should continue as Chairman of the ARLC.

Today's EGM has now been postponed until March 1 to enable further negotiations on the non-funding issues to proceed.