Whether you loved or loathed the former lawyer's influence in the game, he was a staunch, uncompromising figure who ultimately tried to protect the NRL product.
His stance grew many supporters who appreciate his hard line and an equal amount of detractors, no bigger than Phil Gould who criticised his 'lack of leadership'.
With the NRL on the brink of a potentially huge television deal that could change the complexion of the game's future, whoever the commission decide to bring in will have big shoes to fill.
2. Fisiiahi a class above NSW Cup
With Kevin Locke returning to fullback for this weekend's clash against the Penrith Panthers, Glen Fisiiahi's yo-yo season in and out of the side continues.
Please Bluey and co - for the betterment of Fisiiahi's progress, don't send him back to NSW Cup.
He is far too good to be playing in a second tier competition.
Let him gain his confidence in the first grade he doesn't need to be adding to his 18 tries (six in one game) for the Auckland Vulcans.
The Warriors need to be imaginative with the 'Fish' - utilise him off the bench where his speed will cut open tiring defences or as a winger, particularly with the shaky form of the Beast.
If the forward pack and halves can get their act together, you feel that Fisiiahi is on the cusp of having a breakout season for the Auckland club.
3. Give big Sam a Kiwis jumper
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney need to make Bulldogs giant Sam Kasiano a priority for the end of year test against the Kangaroos.
The man mountain has been terrorising defences and should be a certainty for a spot in the Kiwis for 2012 and next year's World Cup.
Despite signing a letter of intent to declare his eligibility for New Zealand - it lacks legal effect - therefore he can still turn out for Queensland or Australia, a fact that Aussie media have played up in recent weeks.
Kasiano alongside Ben Matulino as starting props for the Kiwis is a frightening prospect - one that needs to happen sooner rather than later.
We don't want him lining up next to James Tamou in the green and gold - it would hurt the Kiwis in more ways than one.
4. Hayne kills the Sharks
Jarryd Hayne is unquestionably one of the most thrilling backs in the competition when he's in top form.
This season though, much like the fortunes of his team, the 26 year old former Fiji Bati member has struggled to shine in the proud blue and yellow of Parramatta.
Buoyed by a solid outing in the first State of Origin, the 'Hayne plane' soared to great heights scoring two tries and setting up one to defeat the Cronulla Sharks 29-20.
If captain Nathan Hindmarsh is the engine of the team, than their fullback is its heart and soul.
When Hayne is at his best, the Eels ride on his back and feed off his energy.
With a 2 -10 win-loss record Parramatta will be looking at Hayne to navigate them to the season's end.
5. Prince finding his form
Scott Prince was once the darling of Queensland.
His deft ball playing skills and educated kicking game are his main strengths that have carried him to wear his state colours and the green and gold of Australia.
In recent seasons the emergence of Cooper Cronk, Daly Cherry Evans and even Chris Sandow has pushed back the former Bronco, Cowboy and Tiger to fourth choice halfback for the Maroons.
On Friday night against the Cowboys, Prince rose to claim the edge over Jonathan Thurston in a convincing 28-12 victory at Skilled Park.
Prince showed glimpses of his glory days with a double dummy before offloading back inside to Greg Bird who crashed over the tryline.
After an abysmal opening few weeks to the season, Prince and the Titans have recovered to sit at tenth on the ladder to close in on a top-eight berth.
6. 2013 player movement exciting
With the June 30 anti-tampering deadline quickly approaching, a number of clubs are tirelessly working backroom deals to shape their sides for the 2013 season. Whilst the current season has just reached its halfway point - many fans are rubbing their hands together with delight at the potential of their teams next year. Here are the top ten transfers for the 2013 season:
1. Tony Williams, Sea Eagles to Bulldogs
2. Sika Manu, Storm to Panthers
3. Dave Taylor, Rabbitohs to Titans
4. Michael Gordan, Panthers to Sharks
5. James Maloney, Warriors to Roosters
6. Braith Anasta, Roosters to Tigers
7. Ben Te'o, Broncos to Rabbitohs
8. Lewis Brown, Warriors to Panthers
9. Gerard Beale, Broncos to Dragons
10. Dane Nielson, Storm to Warriors
Team of the week - round 13
1. Fullback - Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
2. Wing - Michael Oldfield (Sea Eagles)
3. Centre - Ryan Morgan (Eels)
4. Centre - Justin Hodges (Broncos)
5. Wing - Gerard Beale (Broncos)
6. Five-eighth - Gareth Widdop (Storm)
7. Halfback - Benji Marshall (Tigers)
8. Prop - James Graham (Bulldogs)
9. Hooker - Matt Srama (Titans)
10. Prop - Keith Galloway (Tigers)
11. Secondrow - Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)
12. Secondrow - Greg Bird (Titans)
13. Lock - Corey Parker (Broncos)
Coach: Tim Sheens (Tigers)
