Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle says rugby league’s move to independence is a victory for players and the fans.

Searle has been credited for starting the push towards independence way back in 2008 and said he was “humbled” to see the new Australian Rugby League Commission finally come to fruition on Friday.

It was more than two years ago that the concept of an all-encompassing commission was unanimously supported by all 16 NRL clubs but, despite the frustrating wait, Searle said he was always confident independence day would come.

“From our perspective, the way it was embraced by both News Limited and the Australian Rugby League gave me the confidence to keep moving forward,” Searle told AAP.

“The motivation behind it was about providing a better platform for the game and usually, when that intent is honourable, then ultimately the outcome will be achieved – it just depends how hard you’re willing to work.

“It’s the first time in a long time that the game’s been absolutely united behind the cause … and commitment has delivered the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“The fact we’ve got a board there that most public companies would salivate over says the game is going to be in good order.”

The Titans boss said the athletes and fans would be the big winners, but was reluctant to discuss specific issues such as expanding to new markets.

Searle said it was imperative the new concept be honoured and commissioners not be told what to do.

“My contribution has been to get to this stage. The beauty of independence is that independence should be respected and influence around the direction of the game is now in their hands,” he said.

“From a club perspective and from a fan’s perspective, I think we’re most excited about the opportunity to provide for both players and the fans because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about.

“That’s the thing I’m most excited about for the commission to deliver but how they deliver it is up to them.”

Searle said the very design of the commission means revenue will grow immensely.

In his opinion, finalising independence before the start of the new season is likely to have a flow-on effect for what the game can achieve in 2012.

“Momentum is a funny thing and … this momentum will reinforce to many people in business and hopefully TV executives and the federal government and the state governments how important this game is to many people in this country,” he said.