NRL CEO Todd Greenberg talks about his plans for the future of rugby league

IN A one-on-one interview with new NRL CEO, Todd Greenberg tells Sports Editor-at-Large Phil Rothfield about his plans for the future of rugby league.

Todd Greenberg, new NRL CEO, pictured at Moore Park to announce his promotion.

THE six-month wait is finally over and Todd Greenberg is ready to step into the hottest seat in Australian sport. He spoke to Sports Editor-at-Large Phil Buzz Rothfield about his plans to bring back the crowds, lift TV ratings and tackle the big issues in rugby league.

Buzz: OK, who is the captain of the Kangaroos?

Todd: Not only do I know Cam Smith but I spoke to both him and Jillaroos captain Steph Hancock this morning to tell him about my appointment. In fact, I have sent a video email to all players today telling them how much we value them and my determination to get around to see them all.

Buzz: Will you ride in limos or look to cut costs?

Todd: I’m a taxi man wherever possible. I actually have the Uber app in my phone. Or I drive myself. (he has a Holden commodore). We already have a cost cutting drive under way at Rugby League Central and that will continue. But, where we have to spend to promote the game we’ll do so.

Buzz: If you’re cutting costs, will you replace Suzanne Young and Shane Richardson?

Todd: Short answer is no. We’ve got really good capable people here. John Grant has already done a lot of work over the last five months to reduce costs.

Buzz: How are you going to celebrate?

Todd: The Oatley Hotel with my family for a couple of beers, pizzas and we’ll watch the footy.

Family of Todd Greenberg were at NRL Central to watch him address the media on his promotion.

Buzz: How will you be different to Dave Smith?

Todd: Dave was a change agent. His job was to come in and set up the game for the future. I see mine as one of consolidation and innovation. The game is in great shape but things like the bunker can make a real difference for the fan. My focus is going to be on the players and fans. I want to see more people playing the game and watching the game.

Buzz: How do you build crowds and TV ratings?

Todd: Our ratings are already spectacular. More than eight million people have watched the first two rounds on TV and we know Origin is the best rating show, year in, year out. Crowds are a challenge in all sport which is why we need better stadia, better transport and better facilities. The truth is there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a rugby league game when there is a capacity crowd and great football being played.

Buzz: What about ticket and food prices?

Todd: A great question. We constantly work with the clubs to keep prices down. And we are doing some food and drink deals with the big stadia this year to make it more affordable for families. The NRL sets prices for Origin and Tests and the finals and we ensure there are affordable tickets at those matches.

Buzz: What about your relationship with clubs. There’s been too much sniping in recent years.

Todd: There is no doubt this game has unlimited potential but we will only realise it if we are united. We’re close to a landmark funding agreement with the clubs which should set them up for the future and we now have a great opportunity to really grow the game together. My job is to ensure our relationship with the clubs is improved.

Buzz: Player payments and burnout issues?

Todd: That will be one of the key issues we discuss with the players during the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions. I go into the dressing rooms regularly, I see the sacrifices and workload of the players. So I think we all want to get the balance right between the number of games and the demands of the fans and broadcasters. Maybe bigger squads.

Buzz: You have good player relationships — they tell me you had dinner with Cooper Cronk last week.

Todd: The players are the ones who make our game so great so I’m going to make it my job to get around and speak to as many as possible.

But not just the current players … the heroes of the past as well. I called the Immortals this morning to talk about my new role. They deserve that respect.

John Grant announces Todd Greenberg as the new NRL CEO.

Buzz: Expansion plans/ Perth, 2nd Bris team, 2nd NZ?

Todd: The Commission has indicated it has no plans for expansion in the short term. The priority is to secure the financial future of the existing clubs. Obviously places like Perth, Brisbane and New Zealand have strong claims for additional teams in the NRL. But the priority is the existing clubs.

Buzz: What about the survival of nine Sydney clubs

Todd: The new financial deal with the clubs should help secure their future. The Commission has indicated it cannot put in any further funding once this agreement comes in. So it is up to the clubs now.

Buzz: The stadium debate?

Todd: The Commission has supported the Government’s plan to build new stadia at Parramatta and Moore Park and to upgrade ANZ. What we are doing now is talking with the clubs and getting their views as we continue to talk with the Government on the best use of those funds.

Buzz: What about more games in the bush. We didn’t take one pre-season match to the country.

Todd: I love seeing games in the bush. It’s a totally different experience. It is something we will address when we get control of the schedule in 2018.

Buzz: What about cost of merchandise — $170 too dear for a jersey — also all the variations

Todd Greenberg will be the new CEO of the NRL.

Todd: That’s way too much! We’ll work with our partners to see if we can get a better deal than that.

Buzz: The Parramatta salary cap. It’s a big first up issue.

Todd: It’s disappointing but we will deal with it. The Integrity Unit is investigating the matter and, while I realise people want a quick outcome, the important thing is to get it right. And we will do that.

Buzz: The Ben Barba cover-up suggestions? I’ve got to ask you about it.

Todd: It was investigated independently and thoroughly. The inquiry found the club and I dealt with the matter sensitively and appropriately. So the matter is closed.

Buzz: What about the judiciary and match review people — seem to be on different pages.

Todd: It’s true they have different tasks. The MRC looks at incidents on video and determines whether a charge should be laid. The Judiciary then takes in additional evidence which can lead to charges being dismissed.

Sometimes we are disappointed with the outcome but that just demonstrates how independent the process is.

Buzz: What about player misbehaviour and Mitchell Pearce. It’s a big problem.

Todd: I have always taken the view that players must be held to account for their actions. We are putting more money into player education than ever before. But, having said that, we realise that players are under more pressure than ever before. We will continue to have issues from time to time ... that’s inevitable. But the fans will judge us, not on those incidents, but on the way we deal with them.

Originally published as NRL CEO Todd Greenberg talks about his plans for the future of rugby league