Todd Greenberg will differ from Dave Smith as NRL CEO in many ways, writes Nick Walshaw

THE new boss at League Central, he’s different. And not just because he knows the game. Todd Greenberg contrasts sharply to Dave Smith in leadership style as much as anything else, writes NICK WALSHAW.

Todd Greenberg, new NRL CEO, pictured at Moore Park to announce his promotion.

DAVE Smith, on day one, couldn’t name the Kangaroos captain.

But as for the bloke now replacing him ... well, he has skipper Cam Smith on speed dial.

Indeed, when quizzed yesterday on whether he could answer the question his predecessor muffed, new NRL CEO Todd Greenberg laughed: “Funny you should ask.

Todd Greenberg was officially unveiled as the new NRL CEO yesterday.

“I actually reached out to Cameron this morning. Same with Jillaroos captain Steph Hancock.

“I reached out to both of them, given their standing in the game.”

And just like that, league’s leadership changed dramatically.

For while Greenberg wasn’t aiming to put the boot in the suit he replaced — a man whose counsel, in fact, he had sought only hours earlier — the irony was obvious.

Put simply, Greenberg isn’t Smith.

In fact, he may be his polar opposite. Remembering that in Smithy — the CEO, not the Test No.9 — you have a man who will be best remembered for ruling exactly as you would expect a merchant banker.

ARL Chairman John Grant and new NRL CEO Todd Greenberg at the announcement.

OK, what he really may best be remembered for is the Kangaroos captain gaffe. Or Benji Barba.

But certainly his leadership style is on the podium. It’s what saw Smith, back in 2013, beat a host of rivals including Greenberg to the top job. And eventually, it’s also what saw him shown the door.

But the new boss at League Central, he’s different. And not just because he knows the game.

Indeed, while Smith would’ve struggled to identify a Steeden from Billy Peden, his replacement was asked yesterday if, in fact, he was too embedded in rugby league?

Specifically, if his close friendship with Parramatta CEO John Boulous would affect the way he handles any ongoing investigation into the Eels’ salary-cap saga?

To which Greenberg replied, without pause, that, yes, he has many friends in league.

And not one of them will influence the way he governs.

As important, too, was the calm, direct manner in which he said it. Yet Smith, well, he ruled as only bankers know how.

Then Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg with former Bulldogs captaon Andrew Ryan.

Cracked heads. Divided and conquered. Which, for a time, was successful. Creating change as both cash and corpses piled up.

Greenberg, though, is a different beast entirely — as evidenced by his decision to phone four former CEOs yesterday and seek their advice on the corner office at League HQ. And elsewhere, emailing every single NRL player with a video message detailing the direction in which he plans to head.

With them. Together.

And, sure, by his own admission, the new boss is “ambitious”.

A man who, plucked from the obscurity of a desk job within ANZ Stadium several years ago, then completely overhauled Canterbury.

Better, was how he did it.

As Bulldogs CEO, Greenberg didn’t so much revive the club as reinvent it. Crowd violence disappeared. Camp Quality and Des Hasler came in.

Every Belmore success since, tattooed by his touch.

Originally published as Todd Greenberg will differ from Dave Smith as NRL CEO in many ways, writes Nick Walshaw