Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie says he'll be on a steep learning curve in his new role on the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Beattie and leading constitutional lawyer Megan Davis have been appointed commissioners, replacing prominent businessmen Graeme Samuel and Jeremy Sutcliffe, who resigned in January.
"I have no doubt these appointments will give the commission additional expertise and insight as it looks to capitalise on the foundations that have been put in place over the last six years," said ARLC chairman John Grant.
Beattie was one of Queensland's longest-serving premiers (1998-2007) and oversaw the renovation of Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, also approving construction of Gold Coast's CBus Stadium.
He is also chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation.
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Describing himself as a "workaholic", Beattie was confident he could balance both roles effectively.
But he shot down any suggestion he may be groomed to replace fellow Queenslander Grant as chairman when Grant's six-year tenure ends in February.
"I understand what's happening in terms of the timelines," Beattie said.
"But I agreed to be a commissioner, I didn't agree to be anything else and I haven't been in any discussions about anything else.
"John's the chair, I'm on a steep learning curve and I intend to learn."
Davis, a professor of law at the University of NSW, has been an advocate for indigenous constitutional recognition as well as working as a diplomat to the United Nations.
Davis grew up in Queensland's North Burnett region.
They join Catherine Harris, Wayne Pearce, Chris Sarra, Tony McGrath and Gary Weiss on the ARLC board.
Grant said Davis and Beattie would join the work on the ARLC's agenda, including striking an agreement with clubs on funding and finalising the players' collective bargaining agreement.
