Cronk, Smith join forces to help ex-NRL boss Greenberg’s cricket shift

Feuding NRL legends Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have combined to help Todd Greenberg land his breakthrough comeback to sports administration.

Todd Greenberg has been appointed the new chief executive of the Australian Cricketers Association. Picture: Richard Dobson

Feuding NRL legends Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have combined to help Todd Greenberg land his breakthrough comeback to sports administration.

Compelling character references from the two greats as well as members of the Jillaroos national women’s rugby league team shaped the confidence of the Australian Cricketers’ Association that Greenberg was the ultimate ‘players’ CEO’.

It’s understood Smith, along with Cronk and Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw were among those who endorsed Greenberg’s credentials to the ACA, with the association’s board on Monday ratifying the former NRL boss as their new chief executive: making the 50-year-old the best-connected leader the organisation has had.

The ACA will allow Greenberg to continue living in Sydney away from their Melbourne base, and the veteran administrator’s first big task will be to begin laying the groundwork for next year’s new MOU – something which he started yesterday, making contact with Cricket Australia’s big bosses.

Greenberg was always renowned in league circles for having a close relationship with players during his five years running the sport.

He was criticised back in 2019 when the NRL gifted Smith’s wife Barbara a diamond ring to recognise the important support role she played in the Melbourne Storm star creating history by becoming the first to play 400 NRL games.

Smith wasn’t offended by the gesture, and thought it was a nice touch, and revealed in his book that the backlash he, his wife and Greenberg copped made him consider quitting the game.

The genuineness of Greenberg’s dedication to respecting his players cannot be questioned according to one Australian women’s rugby league star, who told the Cricketers’ Association how the simple act of always referring to her partner by name showed that Greenberg cared about relationships.

Smith and Cronk have not seen eye-to-eye since their well-publicised fallout, but the former Storm teammates agree on Greenberg’s credentials for influencing cricket’s playing group.

“Todd is an astute operator, having navigated the complexities of running the NRL and leading a club. His ability to manage relationships with all key stakeholders, in particular the players, was a key part of his leadership,” said Cronk.

“The ACA has appointed a well-credentialed leader who will lead from the front and have great rapport with its members.”

Jillaroos skipper Ali Brigginshaw said Greenberg was a leader that players’ could respect.

“One of Todd’s strengths was his relationships with the players. It was always more than just business, and we always felt free to express our opinions with him,” said Brigginshaw.

“Todd’s support of, and belief in the women’s game was crucial in it being able to prosper, and I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing now without that.”

ACA President Shane Watson said the feedback from NRL players was a powerful factor during the interview process.

“Todd is very much a players’ leader. Talking to a few of the rugby league players who have been involved and surrounded by him from the men’s and women’s game have spoken incredibly highly of Todd,” said Watson.

“Everyone on the interview process was very excited to have someone of Todd’s caliber from a commercial point of view but also his relationships.”

Greenberg served as Canterbury Bulldogs chief executive before he took over the top job running the NRL – one of the most heavily scrutinised positions in Australian sport.

Replacing outgoing ACA chief Alistair Nicholson, Greenberg believes he can bring great perspective to a players’ association role.

“It’s something I’ve thought deeply about during this process about whether this role was the right fit for me and my skill set but also what I’m passionate about,” said Greenberg.

“When I reflect on my experiences both at a club and at the NRL, some of the things I enjoyed the most were that really close interaction with people, with players particularly.

“Running a club it’s not just about the players, it’s about their families. And to get the best out of players’ performances they need to be very considered and well-balanced off the field as well as on the field. I think I can bring some real perspective to some of that in dealing with the players.”

Greenberg thanked cricket’s playing group for putting faith in him, which he plans to return.

“What you’re going to get from me is someone who is honest, hardworking, incredibly loyal to the players and we’ll roll our sleeves up and we’ll get the job done,” he said.