Wayne Bennett’s challenge to new NRL CEO Todd Greenberg

TODD Greenberg has just been unveiled as the NRL’s new CEO — and he’s already been issued a challenge by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

Paul Gallen

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BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has backed the appointment of Todd Greenberg but challenged the NRL’s new CEO to “get the job done”.

Greenberg has been unveiled as the successor to Dave Smith on Friday morning and many within the code believed the governing body needed a CEO with a feel for rugby league rather than a “change agent” with a business background.

Greenberg has extensive ties in rugby league, including a stint as CEO of the Canterbury Bulldogs and the NRL’s head of football. And while Bennett is pleased with Greenberg’s appointment, he warned the new NRL chief executive of the hardship that lies ahead.

“That’s great, I’m pleased for Todd, he has a great challenge in front of him,” Bennett said.

“I hope he’s up to it. It wears a lot of people out that job.

“He’s been the CEO of a club so that’s important, he understands the game.

“But it will only be the right call if he gets it right.

“Everybody wants him to be successful, we all wanted Dave Smith to be successful. We want the best people in those positions and if he is deemed the best, well I’m happy for that.

“I just want him to get the job done. Sometimes leadership comes at a price and you have to pay a price because there are a lot of factions.”

Todd Greenberg has been unveiled as the NRL’s new CEO. Picture: Mark Evans

Greenberg could start by providing clarity on the issue of making contact with referees.

While Broncos centre James Roberts was cited for touching the referee last week, Eels pivot Corey Norman escaped penalty and Bennett hit out at the inconsistent stance, saying NRL clubs were not warned about the issue of contact with officials.

“We kind of give ourselves a black eye in the game and I don’t know why we do it,” he said.

Wayne Bennett wants Todd Greenberg to “get the job done”. Picture: Glenn Barnes

“We accepted the Roberts (early guilty) plea not because we believed he was guilty of anything, but because it was convenient. They have made it convenient rather than fair. If he loses the case at the judiciary, well he misses a week with us because he gets the loading on top of that.

“That’s why the NRL have done that, so that you don’t go down there (to the judiciary to fight a grading or charge).

“That’s the unfair part of it, you should have that right to fight it and if you are found guilty, you shouldn’t get loaded up with more points.

The Broncos chose not to challenge James Roberts’ charge.

“I didn’t see what David Klemmer or James Roberts did as offensive, we just don’t want players hitting refs or patting them on the head like 20 years. But if they want to make a blanket rule, then they obviously had a plan with it, well why don’t they tell us first.

“We’re living in a touchy-feely world, we’re touching and feeling more than we’ve ever done. That’s the world we live in, look at the players on the field.

“It’s a bit like the shoulder charge, they all need a bit of common sense, but sometimes it’s not too common. If we have no common sense down there, we need a blanket rule then unfortunately.”

Anthony Milford has been cleared of a groin injury. Picture: Darren England

The Broncos trained strongly on Friday morning and will start 1 to 17 against the Panthers on Saturday night at Pepper Stadium. Anthony Milford has been cleared of a groin concern and will take his place at five-eighth against a Penrith side chasing their first win of the season.

“They haven’t been beaten by much, they tried pretty hard so we’re expecting a tough game,” Bennett said.

“I haven’t looked at our record there but they are always a tough team to be there and tomorrow will be no different.”