TOP CANDIDATES TO BE NEXT NRL CEO
* Andrew Abdo
The new acting chief executive and front-runner for the top job. South African who has spent six years as the NRL’s chief commercial operator. Has been in charge of the game’s brand and sponsorship since 2013. Joined chairman Peter V’landys on a recent trip to the USA to meet with Lachlan Murdoch and streaming services, and is also part of the Project Apollo Committee. The chartered accountant shapes as a big chance.
* Dave Trodden
The boss of the NSW Rugby League since 2013 after almost a decade as chairman of the Wests Tigers. With a background in law, Trodden has helped plan and open the NSWRL Centre of Excellence at Homebush and swept through reform merging with the Country Rugby League last year following three decades of talks.
* Paul White
Brisbane chief executive since 2010 with a long history as a coach and player in Queensland rugby league. A former police officer, White has impressed some within the NRL as he sat in recent meetings with players regarding their wages through the coronavius hiatus. Has previously stated he plans on leaving the Broncos at the end of this season.
* Peter V’landys
The game’s chairman, who would need to take on an executive chairman role to move into the top job. Has taken on a bigger role through the coronavirus as the leading man with broadcasters amid discontent with Greenberg. Would have busy schedule if he took on the job given he is also CEO of Racing NSW, but has indicated he does not want to replace Greenberg with himself.
* Don Furner
Chief executive of the Canberra Raiders since 2008, and one of the most respected club bosses in the game. Has a seat on the NRL’s Project Apollo Committee and recently helped set up and open the Raiders’ $20 million centre of excellence. Has the ability to make tough decisions, including sacking his brother David as coach of Canberra in 2013.
* Dave Donaghy
Melbourne club boss who has gone from media manager to chief executive since first arriving at the club in 2008. Smooth operator and one of the youngest CEOs in the game, Donaghy has a background as a journalist and also spent three years with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL.
* Blake Solly
South Sydney boss since 2016. Has a legal background, but crucially spent two years as general manager of the English Super League between 2014 and 2016. Has sat on NRL committees in the past, but indicated earlier this month he was not interested in taking Todd Greenberg’s role if it became available.
* Simon McGrath
The chief operating officer at Accor Hotels. Doesn’t have the same rugby league background as a number of the other contenders, but was close to replacing Dave Smith in 2016 before Greenberg eventually won out. That lack of a club background could help his cause, removing the issue of any perceived bias in dealing with difficult situations.
