Five things you need to know about new NRL CEO Todd Greenberg

TODD Greenberg has been confirmed as Dave Smith’s replacement as NRL CEO. Here’s five things you need to know about the newly minted NRL boss.

L to R Todd Greenberg CEO of the Bulldogs and Captain Michael Ennis of the Bulldogs . The Dogs will be playing their first game at Belmore Sportsground since 1998 , on the 12th February. Belmore Sportsground

FORMER Head of Football Todd Greenberg has been confirmed as Dave Smith’s replacement as NRL CEO, confirming a move that had been widely anticipated ever since the former Bulldogs boss joined the NRL in 2013.

Here’s five things you need to know about the newly minted NRL boss.

1: THE MAN WHO MADE THE DOGS

When Greenberg joined the Bulldogs in 2008 they were fresh off a wooden spoon and one of the worst seasons in their history following the controversial departure of Sonny Bill Williams to French rugby.

Within 12 months the club made the preliminary final and Greenberg was instrumental in poaching Des Hasler from Manly.

Hasler eventually led the team to the minor premiership in 2012 before Greenberg departed the club in 2013.

2: MR NRL WAS ALMOST MR CRICKET

A keen cricketer, Greenberg was targeted by Cricket NSW when he left Canterbury and had previously worked for the organisation as Events and Promotions Manager from 1993 to 1998.

He once had lunch with Sir Donald Bradman at Bradman’s home in Adelaide, which Greenberg described as “outside of my children being born and my wedding, that was the greatest experience of my life.”

Todd Greenberg has been appointed CEO of the NRL. Picture: Gregg Porteous

3: THE DARK TIMES

Greenberg faced criticism in his final months at Canterbury for his handling of Ben Barba, who was stood down at the start of the 2013 season.

Photographs were uncovered of Barba’s ex-partner with a cut to her face, which prompted claims the club had covered up the severity of an alleged domestic violence incident. Greenberg was later cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent inquiry.

4: JACK OF TRADES

Greenberg first worked at the Bulldogs as Operations and Events Manager from 1998-2001 before working as General Manager of ANZ Stadium from 2001 to 2008.

Then Canterbury CEO Todd Greenberg with former Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis.

5: SUCCESSION LINE

He is the fifth NRL CEO after Neil Whittaker, David Moffat, David Gallop and Dave Smith and the first non-David since 1999.