Toovey says his ‘experience’ would hold him in good stead for NRL’s CEO role

AXED Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Dave Smith as NRL CEO. Toovey also has some ideas on how to improve the game should he be considered for the role.

Geoff Toovey and daughter Georgia

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AXED Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Dave Smith as the new chief executive of the NRL.

His name has been mentioned as a person well qualified for the job and the Manly club legend admitted that he could be interested in taking on the crucial role.

When asked today about being an applicant Toovey replied: “I wouldn’t discount that I could possibly do the job.

“If the job is advertised or I was approached I would have to consider my position.”

Toovey made his first grade debut with Manly in 1988 and has been passionately involved with the game ever since as a first grade, NSW and Test player, as well as a coach at all levels.

Besides that he is also a qualified chartered accountant and has served as a director on the NRMA board.

Former CEO Dave Smith.

Is Geoff Toovey the man for the job?

And Toovey has never shied away from discussing the big issues in the game head on with a refreshing, and at times, brutal honesty.

“I think all my experience would hold me in good stead for a position that is vital for the future of rugby league,” he said.

Geoff Toovey at his Narrabeen home with daughter Georgia. Picture; Toby Zerna

And Toovey has clear ideas about what he would do if he did become the game’s head honcho.

“I’d have to work with the commission to come up with a future plan that expands the game and looks after all parties involved,” he said.

“We need a harmonious well-resourced sporting organisation across all levels.

“I think it is very important to grow the game at the grassroots and put resources back into junior league and junior development.”

Toovey has witnessed first hand the growing threat posed by Australian Rules and soccer in his backyard on the northern beaches.

Geoff Toovey during a training session with the Sea Eagles..

One of the first tasks for the new CEO will be to sort out the current debacle regarding the broadcast deal where negotiations had stalled.

“Obviously the priority would be working out the media aspects of the game so it is well covered in all those areas,” he said.

Since parting company with Manly Toovey’s name has also been linked with the Kangaroos coaching job.