NewsBite

A series of meetings will determine Todd Greenberg’s future as NRL chief executive

With the kick off to the new NRL season just days away, a battle has emerged at the highest level of the game’s administration that could cost Todd Greenberg his job.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys and NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg are seen during a press conference at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club in Penrith, NSW, Thursday, October 31, 2019. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys and NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg are seen during a press conference at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club in Penrith, NSW, Thursday, October 31, 2019. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING

A series of rolling meetings this week will determine Todd Greenberg’s future as NRL chief executive.

With the kick off to the new season just days away, a power struggle has emerged at the very top level of the game’s administration between Greenberg and chairman Peter V’landys.

There is a growing belief that Greenberg will struggle to see out the remainder of his current contract that expires in October, although the next week will determine that.

But many within the game have serious concerns that Greenberg’s working relationship with V’landys is now unsustainable.

Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

The relationship between those running the game is at breaking point. Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi
The relationship between those running the game is at breaking point. Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Making Greenberg’s position even more vulnerable, there is a growing consensus that he has also lost the majority of support with club powerbrokers, while Greenberg’s popularity among the fans is also overwhelming on the nose.

But there is no disputing this power struggle is still a long way from over, and it will ultimately come down to how much support Greenberg can maintain among ARL Commissioners.

Greenberg has been lobbying hard for support in recent days but it appears his popularity is shot to pieces at almost every level, while V’landys seems to have increasing support.

While Greenberg is pushing for a contract extension, that will be determined by a series of subcommittee meetings this week involving V’landys and ARL commissioners Wayne Pearce and Gary Weiss.

Their recommendation will then go to a full Commission meeting scheduled for March 19, unless a decision to pull the trigger has been made prior.

A Daily Telegraph fan poll on the weekend showed that 79 per cent of more than 3000 voters wanted Greenberg axed.

FOOTY TIPS! Join Australia’s best footy tipping competition for your chance to win big. Add our experts to your league and join now at TIPS.COM.AU.

Peter V'landys wants the game moving in a different direction. Photo: Rohan Kelly
Peter V'landys wants the game moving in a different direction. Photo: Rohan Kelly

This was followed by another media poll that showed Greenberg was also overwhelmingly out of favour with NRL club bosses.

In that poll only 5.6 per cent of NRL club bosses who took part in the anonymous survey said they had complete faith in Greenberg.

If Greenberg is moved on early, it is likely an interim chief executive such as current chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo would be appointed while the Commission search for a new boss.

That could be finalised within a matter of weeks if the right candidate can be secured.

Andrew Abdo (left) could take over in the short term. Photo: Richard Dobson
Andrew Abdo (left) could take over in the short term. Photo: Richard Dobson

MORE NEWS

Boxing news: Paul Gallen set to fight UFC legend Mark Hunt

Women’s T20 World Cup final: Australian vice-captain misses Katy Perry performance

V’landys has indicated he has no desire to take on an executive chairman type role, but the name that keeps popping up in conversation is Simon McGrath, the boss of Accor hotels.

McGrath missed out to Greenberg back in 2016 but maintains plenty of support in rugby league.

There are plenty of other people within the game who could do the job but the question would be whether the Commissioners again wanted to appoint a chief executive who has previously held the top job at an NRL club.

There is a feeling that the game needs to go outside so the new boss doesn’t carry baggage into the job, as some perceive was the case with Greenberg following his time at Canterbury.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/a-series-of-meetings-will-determine-todd-greenbergs-future-as-nrl-chief-executive/news-story/cf44f9961c2576484daf335e40f963e0