NRL CEO Todd Greenberg fired-up over “crisis merchants” after Phil Rothfield tweet

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has hit back at what he calls ‘crisis merchants’ in response to a provocative tweet from The Daily Telegraph sports editor-at-large Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and COO Nick Weeks during a press conference to announce the Manly salary cap punishment at NRL Headquarters, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has instructed all clubs to publicly promote, endorse and support rugby league – not bag the game.

Wanting the game to fall into line behind him, Greenberg has been visiting all clubs calling on players and officials to refrain from criticising any aspects of the NRL.

His request has been supported in some areas - but criticised in others.

One fan labelled Greenberg “delusional.”

Greenberg took to social media to talk up rugby league despite recent criticism over the excessive amount of penalties being awarded and his controversial decision to allow Matt Lodge back into the NRL.

His hash tag on Twitter was #talkthegameup.

The NRL CEO even described those being negative as “crisis merchants.”

BUZZ: NRL to block Lodge contract upgrade

Rugby league is now a shit game.

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) April 14, 2018

It appears Greenberg’s comments came in response to a provocative tweet from The Daily Telegraph sports editor-at-large Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield.

Fed-up with the penalties being given, Rothfield posted: “Rugby league is now a shit game.”

Greenberg fired back.

“In 2018 our crowds are UP...TV ratings are UP....participation/junior registrations are UP....investment into grassroots is UP....investment into our clubs & players is UP...Premiership games played in the bush are UP...Revenues are UP...Costs are DOWN.... #NRLtalkthegameup,” Greenberg posted.

“I’ve been visiting all 16 Clubs in recent weeks & my simple message when I’m standing in front of our players & coaches is this….when you get an opportunity to talk about the game - Talk it UP, not down”. #NRLtalkthegameup.

In 2018 our crowds are UP...TV ratings are UP....participation/junior registrations are UP....investment into grassroots is UP....investment into our clubs & players is UP...Premiership games played in the bush are UP...Revenues are UP...Costs are DOWN....#NRLtalkthegameup

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) April 15, 2018

And there is more to come....Investment into the first ever NRL women’s comp starts this year....Planning is well advanced for 2019 schedule including a range of new initiatives for fans...Stadiums are being built for our future & for our fans...#NRLtalkthegameup

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) April 15, 2018

Plus..Our future grassroots/participation strategy is almost complete..Our digital network continues connecting fans to their Clubs..Our commission & staff will keep working hard & serve the game! We’re not perfect..mistakes will happen..but the future is bright #NRLtalkthegameup

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) April 15, 2018

“We will always be debating the performances of Clubs, players, administrators, referees, rules, etc but if you love Rugby League then talk it up & share your positivity. Ignore the crisis merchants & support your club & the game! #NRLtalkthegameup

“I’ve never suggested we are perfect & debate will always fill the conversation across multiple issues & agendas ....but let’s try and talk it up. We all love the game. #NRLtalkthegameup.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg hit back at Phil Rothfield’s tweet over the state of the game.

“We can always disagree on certain issues. That is natural and normal and has been part of rugby league since 1908! But we are all part of the most amazing sport which continues to inspire & entertain us. Healthy debate with all views is a good thing #NRLtalkthegameup.”

“The game is not broke! We are well positioned financially & are investing more money into Players & Clubs & Grassroots than ever before!”

Not everyone though was convinced.

Greenberg’s comments drew a sharp response from those posting on Twitter.

“I find it amusing to see NRL administration now preaching their head-in-sand approach to others. I love Rugby League, but like many, becoming increasingly frustrated with the way it is administered. Hard to talk it up at the moment,” one fan posted.

And another wrote: “C’mon mate stop being delusional, you must first stop and be honest about the current status of the game and then move on with fixing the top 5 issues.”

Another posted: “Todd is making the negative few within the press look juvenile & foolish. Positivity & balanced perspective will always win. It’s good vs evil stuff. Strap yourself in for the upswing.”

Originally published as NRL CEO Todd Greenberg fired-up over “crisis merchants” after Phil Rothfield tweet