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.”
