ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has committed the first embarrassing blunder of his tenure after failing to name the Cronulla Sharks.
In a gaffe reminiscent of his predecessor John Grant, the former Queensland premier and self-described lifelong rugby league fan could not identify the team which plays out of the Sutherland Shire when quizzed by commentator Phil Gould.
Gould was recalling a 2014 gaffe in which Grant referenced the "Cronulla Hawks" and "Manly Seagulls" during a Kangaroos team naming.
"Before you're officially welcomed, you've got to answer one question," Gould asked Beattie in a sit down interview on the Nine Network's 100% Footy on Monday.
"The team that plays out of the Sutherland Shire - is it the Cronulla Hawks, the Cronulla Seagulls or the Cronulla Sharks?"
Beattie proceeded to stumble over his answer and seemed unable to name the 2016 premiers.
"I'll be honest, I wouldn't have a bloody clue but I'll know next week," Beattie said.
"It's got to be Cronulla of some kind.
"It's too bloody hard Gus, that's too difficult."
It is unclear whether he failed to get Gould's joke but his inability to identify an NRL franchise will go down like a lead balloon with fans and clubs, especially after Beattie's push for constitutional reform failed at Monday's annual general meeting.
The interview was more puzzling in light of revelations he met Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and skipper Paul Gallen in the dressing sheds following their loss to North Queensland in Johnathan Thurston's 300th game last Friday.
When pressed on whether he knew more than Grant, Beattie again fumbled his response.
"I'm aiming to be better but I'd never pretend to know what I don't know," Beattie said.
"Tell you what, you can take me down there one day and shout me lunch, you can educate me."
Beattie later took to Twitter to clarify his comments, saying he misunderstood the question.
"This was me Saturday night with the Sharks' coach," Beattie posted along with a photo of him and Flanagan.
"Yes I stuffed up the answer; just nervous in front of the great Phil Gould.
"Yeah I'm human. I had a mental blank. The price of doing the NRL & the Commonwealth Games at the same time !! Thanks Gus for having me on the show."
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