New NRL boss David Smith can't identify Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith

INCOMING NRL chief executive Dave Smith insists he "loves rugby league" - but doesn't know Cameron Smith is the Kangaroos captain.

INCOMING NRL chief executive Dave Smith insists he "loves rugby league" - but doesn't know Cameron Smith is the Kangaroos captain and can't identify some of the game's biggest stars.

The ARL Despite a strong first public appearance, Smith's lack of sports administration and his passion for rugby union, having played it while growing up in Wales, have immediately come into question.

"I love rugby league," he told a packed media conference. "I am a fan of rugby league, I am a fan of rugby union and multiple sports. I watch all sports and really enjoyed the grand final. For it to be reported I am not a fan is misleading."

Later, in a separate interview with The Daily Telegraph, the 48-year-old was asked if he knew the players in an iconic shot from the first All-Stars match on the wall at League Central, in which Wendell Sailor is using a corner post as a didgeridoo.

They included current Test stars Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday, as well as Blake Ferguson and Carl Webb.

"No, I can't name any of those players," Smith admitted.

Asked if he could name the Australian captain, Smith replied: "No. As I say, I am a fan. I am like most fans. I watch a game of footy on the TV. I'll watch the Roosters or I'll watch State of Origin or I'll watch the recent international match. I have been on a plane for half of this year.

"Frankly, I would struggle to name a captain of any team. I am not an encyclopaedia on rugby league. I won't profess to be.

"What I bring to the party is I am a chief executive.

"I run businesses: I have run them for a long time. I bring a discipline, I can bring an opportunity assessment, I can bring negotiating skills."

ARLC chairman John Grant told The Daily Telegraph earlier this week the new chief executive would run "the business of rugby league". He defended the appointment of Smith, who went back to work at Lloyds yesterday and will need to finish his old job before starting at League Central on February 1.

"Life is not a popularity contest otherwise we would all lose," Grant said. "Dave recognises what the sport of rugby league is and the passion around rugby league."

Smith's appointment ends an exhaustive search after Gallop was pushed out the door in June after a stormy decade in the position.

AFL chief operating operator Gillon McLachlan baulked at the job at the eleventh hour.

Asked if he was concerned about not being the commission's first choice, Smith said: "This was my first choice. I believe the NRL and the commission is ready for someone like me. I had looked at other sporting opportunities and by far this is the most exciting."