Monday Buzz: Todd Greenberg’s cosy bond with the stars
Phil Rothfield puts Todd Greenberg’s relationship with the NRL’s most elite players under the microscope — plus all the talking points from another big weekend in sport.
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Todd Greenberg likes to have a cosy relationship with the NRL’s most elite players.
This can work two ways. It’s good that he regularly communicates with the stars but it can also become dangerous territory if fans form the view there are benefits for some that are not available to others.
When Greg Inglis was caught drink-driving and speeding (from which about 2500 lives are lost on our national roads each year), the NRL chief executive wrote him a glowing reference to take to court.
This is something not available to other players with lower profiles who have faced similar charges. Then when GI retired earlier this year from injuries, Greenberg ensured he had a job after footy at the Rabbitohs and that his $1 million contract would not be included in Souths’ salary cap.
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This was a complete about-face on other footballers who have retired because of injuries but were still included in the salary cap, such as Brett Stewart at Manly.
About eight weeks ago, Greenberg invited Sam Burgess into NRL headquarters for a private one-on-one meeting. They had coffee in Greenberg’s office and a general chat about life and footy.
About six weeks later, the same Sam Burgess escaped punishment for a terrible high tackle on Cronulla Sharks fullback Matt Moylan that left the player with severe concussion and sidelined for two weeks.
We are not suggesting Greenberg used his influence in any way with the independent judiciary. However, there could be a perception out there that if you’re close to the boss, you get a rails run. Other players have been suspended for far less serious incidents. Ask Tariq Sims, who missed a State of Origin game for a slightly late tackle.
Then there is Cameron Smith’s story and the diamond ring that has been valued at up to $5000.
Barb Smith is no different to other footy wags who give up their lives for a huge part of the year to support their husbands. These amazing women should all be thanked and recognised.
Smith’s family already pocketed $100,000 from a testimonial game and a crystal football for the mantelpiece in recognition of his extraordinary achievements.
Greenberg is close to Smith and his manager Isaac Moses.
Other one-club warhorses have had testimonial games knocked back. Wealthy footballers should be like all of us. There are Angus & Coote or Michael Hill jewellery shops to buy a wife a diamond ring. Battlers use their own money, so why shouldn’t a $1 million-a-year footballer.
Other women in rugby league deserve recognition as much as Barb Smith. I’d be buying Joyce Churchill a ring to salute and acknowledge her contribution to the game in carrying her husband’s name with such class and dignity at the grand final each year.
Or one of the hundreds of fantastic female volunteers who run canteens, barbecues, coach, manage or do ground duties every weekend of the season. They are the real heroes of rugby league.
TODD’S FLANNO REVELATION
If Shane Flanagan hadn’t already been caught by the integrity unit for working while suspended in 2014, he might have been found out in rugby league bad boy Todd Carney’s new book.
According to Carney, he was approached by Flanagan to return to the Sharks in 2015, despite being deregistered for the infamous “bubbler” photograph on social media.
“Flanno was one of the few people who stood by me,” Carney writes.
“While he was suspended, he met with me and David (Riolo, his manager) and devised a plan to get me back to the club the next year.
“But sadly it came to nought — I can only assume he was overruled by the board.”
Carney’s book, ghost written by veteran journalist Tony Adams, is on sale from Monday.
HIGHLIGHT
One of the Canberra Raiders’ greatest victories of all time to come from 18-0 down and have two players in the sin bin but still beat Melbourne Storm in an absolute thriller.
HIGHLIGHT II
Payne Haas’s amazing second-half try for the Broncos against the Panthers. I have never seen a 120kg front-rower with such a step, speed and a big engine.
HIGHLIGHT III
The Parramatta Eels’ handling of the Shaun Lane Mad Monday photos. A short, sharp investigation and a fair and reasonable $17,500 fine.
LOWLIGHT
Another terrible performance from North Queensland against Newcastle. They are the biggest underachievers for 2019. They have the NRL’s second oldest roster and there is little room for improvement next year unless Val Holmes returns from the NFL.
STATES OF ORIGIN
Adelaide has been given the opening State of Origin game next year on Wednesday, June 2. The standalone Sunday game is in Sydney on June 21 with Suncorp to host the third match on July 8.
NO HYDE NOR HAIR
The NRL still has a long way to go with credibility around the Hall of Fame. For all the warmth around last week’s inductions there were some stunning oversights. The original voice of rugby league Frank Hyde should have been inducted alongside Peter ‘Chippy’ Frilingos and Ray Warren in the contributors section. That newspaper legends E E Christensen and Bill Mordey were not even among the nominations made it even worse.
PIGGINS OVERSIGHT
Still on the Hall of Fame, can someone explain why Rabbitohs legend George Piggins has been overlooked? Piggins played for Souths, NSW and Australia. He was also an excellent coach. And without his fighting spirit, Souths wouldn’t be in the competition.
STEVE SMITH SALUTES
More luck for champion batsman Steve Smith at the country races when the horse he part owns with old turf legend Kenny Callander, Hogmanay, won the Taree Cup at odds of $2.90.
SPOTTED
Independent commission chairman Peter Beattie having lunch at the beautiful Machiavelli restaurant with QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher to get his support for changes on the commission.
360 VIEW
Catch you on NRL 360 tonight with Ben Ikin, Paul Kent, Cooper Cronk and Brad Arthur, who will explain how he has lifted the Parramatta Eels from the wooden spoon to premiership contention.
Originally published as Monday Buzz: Todd Greenberg’s cosy bond with the stars
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