A defiant ARLC chief John Grant stared down the gathering storm in club land on Friday, defying widespread unrest over funding and declaring he would serve in the role for "another five years". But it may not be enough to save the Queenslander.

Why is rugby league at war?

The Penrith Panthers have parted ways with backrower Chris Grevsmuhl, citing the player's 'personal issues' in a statement on Friday evening.

Even in the middle of one of the most bitter divisions to have riddled a game renowned for self-interest, John Grant did well to unite rugby league. Or at least certain sections of it. And now it is coming back to haunt him.

John Coates, who is chairman of the IOC Legal Affairs Commission, as well as being President of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, will need all of his lawyerly skills to redraft the ARL Commission constitution to satisfy the 16 NRL clubs, NSW and Queensland Leagues, as well as the incumbent commissioners.

Club and state rugby league bosses will be invited to meet with the NRL next week in regards to moving forward with a new funding model and constitutional changes.

All the key points from the 2017 NRL draw released today.

The Raiders will play the past two premiers in their first two rounds of the 2017 NRL season.

The launch next year's NRL draw was overshadowed by the spectre of club mutiny over what the code plans to do with its record $1.8 billion broadcast deal.

The Rabbitohs will make a request to the NRL to be spared any further punishment in the final six rounds after being hit hardest with the release of the 2017 draw on Thursday.

The draw for the NRL's 2017 season is out and already fans of each club are voicing opinions on social media.

Melbourne Storm's fixture for the 2017 NRL season.

The new NRL season also includes a reduction in five day turnarounds, the introduction of a 6pm Friday game and matches in every mainland state.

Former NRL star Chris Sandow says his decision to walk out on Super League club Warrington was because of a family member's death and homesickness.

Dave Taylor is one step closer to returning to the NRL after escaping a conviction or community service order for his role in the Gold Coast drug controversy.

The Canberra Raiders will get a chance to test their premiership credentials in the opening two weeks of the season when they play the last two NRL champions in a brutal start to their campaign.

The gulf between the NRL and its club bosses reached crisis point on Wednesday after four club chairmen stormed out of a meeting at League Central, defiantly claiming a proposed club funding model for 2018 and beyond would now be negotiated on their terms.

Blake Green was lured to be his former teammate Trent Barrett's eyes and ears on the field - and the rugby league journeyman is hoping his landing on the northern beaches will make Daly Cherry-Evans feel just as comfortable as the second year coach.

The Raiders will wait to hear from Dave Taylor and the NRL integrity unit before making a decision on the forward's NRL future.