Grant was appointed as the inaugural Chairman of the Commission in February 2012 and will have completed his second term when he steps down.

“For some weeks I have deliberated on the changing face of the Commission post constitutional reform should that occur this year and the need for a succession plan for the role of Chairman,” the 67-year-old businessman and administrator said in a media release issued by the NRL.

“All well-run organisations need time to properly plan for the future and my decision, at this time, assists this.

“In the months between now and February there is a lot to be done and I look forward to continuing to lead the game as Chairman and applying all my energy to dealing with the many opportunities and challenges that are before us.”

A former player of the 1970s, Grant was a Queensland interstate representative back and a member of the Australian team which lost the 1972 World Cup to Great Britain in France.

Grant had been playing his club football for the Brisbane Rugby League's Souths club under Wayne Bennett. Following the World Cup, Grant joined English club Warrington, playing for them during their table-topping 1972–73 season.