NRL Chief Executive, Mr Dave Smith, today announced major changes to the NRL structure, including the appointments of two of sports most respected administrators. “We have the best game and the best athletes. Today’s announcement is about ensuring we also have the best possible administration,” Mr Smith said. “Rugby League is entering a period of unlimited opportunity. “To fully capitalise on it, the game must be as professional, skilled and successful off the field as our players are on it.” Mr Todd Greenberg, currently the CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, will take the pivotal new role as Head of Football, a brief which will include a strategic focus on the ‘whole of the game’ Rugby League operations. Mr Jim Doyle, a highly successful businessman and former CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, has been appointed to the new position of Chief Operating Officer, where he will have responsibility for critical internal functions and governance for both the NRL and clubs. The new NRL Executive structure will see the creation of seven business units reporting directly to CEO Dave Smith.
“We have an ambitious strategy to grow Rugby League on the field and off the field, in boardrooms and in classrooms, through the turnstiles and on television,” Mr Smith said. “The fact is we need the expertise and the best and brightest to ensure we get there. “Todd and Jim are great appointments. They bring deep knowledge and experience of the game and an extensive track record in leadership and business.”
A number of leadership positions within the Executive structure are still to be filled. National and International searches are underway for: A Chief Financial Officer; Head of Corporate Affairs and Community; and Head of Marketing, Digital and Content; Searches are also underway for a number of other senior management positions including: Head of Integrity & Legal; and Head of Human Resources. “All of us involved in the administration of the game have a responsibility - indeed an obligation - to take Rugby League to another level,” Mr Smith said. “That is what the new structure and changes are all about.”
A number of other management appointments having already been made. Shane Mattiske will continue as the Head of Strategy and Paul Kind will move into the role of Head of Commercial. “We value the significant contributions of the existing management team members and I hope they all want to remain as a part of the new NRL team,” Mr Smith said. “I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of Chairman Ray Dib and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Club. “I think they can take great pride in the fact that someone from their club is so highly regarded by all in the game.”
The Australian Rugby League Commission has described the addition of Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg and former NZRL CEO Jim Doyle to the NRL administration as key appointments in building a team the Commission expects to drive future growth. ARLC Chairman, Mr John Grant, said today that their appointments are part of an expanded structure that he expects will ensure the ambitious targets set in the ‘Game Plan’ can be achieved. “Our Chief Executive Dave Smith has led the development of this structural model through a process that’s identified the skills required and ensured alignment to the key deliverables of the Game Plan,” Mr Grant said. “It demonstrates the sort of planning that the Commission expects given the experience Dave brings to the organisation and has its full endorsement. “We have set ambitious targets for Rugby League in the years ahead that target growth from the grassroots to the international arena. “The dedication and professionalism of the current people at the NRL can never be questioned but, until now, the game hasn’t been able to make the investments that build the structure around those people. “That is what Dave is now bringing to the table. “It’s important that our stakeholders and fans understand that while the administration has to be responsive to the day-to-day issues and opportunities, our eyes are firmly set on the mid to long term. “The strategic significance of this announcement today should not be underestimated. It is the start of a process that Dave’s leading that’s going to take time but add certainty to delivering the benefits to the whole game. “It’s also important for our stakeholders and fans to understand that while the public forum has been dominated since Dave’s arrival in February by the ASADA investigation, he has made significant progress in behind the scenes aspects of the business including implementation of new levels of financial accountability and reporting, governance, human resources management, government relations and key integrity initiatives. “Things are changing in the way Rugby League conducts itself as a business and those changes were overdue. There will be more to come. “We understand change isn’t something that everyone welcomes. But change we must and as a commission, we could not be more supportive of what is taking place at the moment. “There is a lot to achieve in the months and years ahead and it’s very important to us that the CEO puts his stamp on the direction of the game. “This is what we’re seeing today.”