Debate continues over Todd Greenberg’s future and possible successor
A speculation over Todd Greenberg’s position as NRL CEO continues, the head honchos in clubland have identified one man they believe would be the perfect choice to run the game.
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Peter V’landys’ scepticism about the NRL’s leadership began late last year when he found out senior officials were resistant to his appointment as chairman.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg is now fighting for his job, with clubs starting a push for South Sydney boss Blake Solly to become the next boss should Greenberg’s contract be terminated.
Former NRL chairman Peter Beattie was supporting V’landys as the next boss to clubs when it became evident that those in senior positions at the NRL wanted Tony McGrath as chairman – not V’landys.
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V’landys has not forgotten which NRL officials were pushing against his appointment.
One club official said: “Peter V’landys holds people to account. He was always going to shake things up and I think some at the NRL didn’t want to be held to account.
“We couldn’t believe what we were hearing. Why would some NRL management do that?
“This is where the distrust started between V’landys and some NRL officials. The officials were making it clear they wanted Tony McGrath — not V’landys.
“I think Peter Beattie was taken aback. He was pushed hard for V’landys, who hasn’t forgotten who said what.”
The Daily Telegraph spoke to several club CEOs who said Solly would be their number one choice if Greenberg was moved on.
Solly dismissed speculation a fortnight ago he was leaving Souths for a job at either the NRL or a shift into the corporate sector. McGrath, Broncos CEO Paul White and NSWRL chief executive David Trodden have also been mentioned as a possible NRL chief executive.
One CEO said: “Blake Solly knows the landscape and he has a legal degree. He is very measured.
“I don’t think he wants to be in front of the TV all the time – I think he is a bloke who wants to be at his desk getting his work done. That’s the sort of bloke you want.
“You don’t see him at Souths wanting to be in the paper every day. He’s not that type of bloke. Is something happened and Todd walked away, Blake has support to take over.”
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Another CEO told The Daily Telegraph: “If you want to get rid of Todd then who have you got to take his place who is better? Personally, I’d take Blake Solly.
“I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about Solly. That’s normally a good sign. He’s a good operator who understands the landscape. There would be other CEO’s who feel the same, for sure.”
McGrath has significant support, narrowly missing out to Greenberg for the top job back in 2017.
Greenberg still has substantial support and many in rugby league believe he will in fact be re-signed. And not all club CEOs feel a need for change.
“I don’t know all the internal politics but I don’t know why we need to change. It is a stable period of time for the game,” he said.
One other CEO said: “I like Todd. He has such a challenging job.”
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The ARL Commission – not the clubs – would appoint the new CEO. Clubs though hope the commission and V’landys would consult them before reaching a final decision.
An ARL Commission meeting on March 19 could decide Greenberg’s fate.
Greenberg, fighting hard to save his job, has a six-month notice period worked into his contract. A subcommittee is expected to finalise a recommendation in Greenberg’s future as early as next week.