Peter Beattie’s first task as ARL Commission chairman will be to unite the NRL’s 16 clubs over proposed constitutional reform.

Beattie was officially voted in as John Grant’s successor at Wednesday’s AGM, however a vote on the reform between the clubs was postponed until March 12.

Club chairs met for more than 90 minutes before Wednesday’s meeting, as they considered whether to put forth a vote to increase the commission to 10 with two club-appointed directors.

However they were unable to reach a resolution, with Melbourne, Canterbury and the Gold Coast still harbouring concerns over the proposed changes.

Beattie, along with chief executive Todd Greenberg, will now meet with the three clubs to discuss their concerns over the proposal.

“There was a lot of goodwill in that room,” the former Queensland Premier said.

“It’s a very important step. I’m very happy we’re not rushing it.

“It’s a request from the clubs and NSW and Queensland, and something I was more than happy to fulfil.

“We will work with whatever decision the clubs make in terms of the constitution.”

Under the proposed changes, Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys and lawyer Glen Selikowitz will represent the clubs on the commission.

QRL boss Bruce Hatcher and NSWRL counterpart George Peponis will also be added for 18 months to represent their states, before they are replaced by independents.

Beattie also reasserted his push for the expansion of the NRL in the coming years, and announced a female will be the next independent director appointed to the commission.