Every day that goes by brings to attention the mistakes made by former NRL boss Dave Smith.
Now one of his biggest mistakes is that he refused to open talks with Israel Folau before he re-signed with yawnion. Apparently Greenberg approached Folau to return with league particularly since he expressed a desire to return. Greenberg knew his value in drawing crowds and junior participation as he is one of the most popular players in either code.
Smith would only agree to his return on prohibitive terms with him having no option to choose his club and a flat no to using the marquee player funds. Folau expressed a desire to join Broncos, Storm Roosters, Bulldogs or Eels. Smith said no and insisted he return to either Titans, Knights, Tigers or Dragons all insolvent clubs supported financially by the NRL. Folau refused wanting to play alongside origin team mates and in a high performance environment (not sure where Parra fits into this scenario). Greenberg argued that the open market should determine where Folau played but Smith refused also not meeting with him or his agent.
Apparently Smith acted in similar fashion not helping Souffs when Sam Burgess expressed desire to play yawnion. All this underlines how league has been let flounder on Smith's tenure. Problems are huge with insolvent clubs with questionable boards, executives on ridiculous salaries with little or no authority in running the game and 12 angry clubs in rebellion with the NRL over funding.
John Grant has taken charge but he is viewed as part of the problem. He wants to stay for the long term which doesn't sit well with the clubs. The NRL is surrounded with people with no idea about the core values of the game. It is understood that nobody from the recruitment firm or ARLC have approached obvious and highly regarded candidates for the CEO job.
Clubs are concerned the funds are being mismanaged and the constitution of the ARLC denies all clubs any say in the management of the game.
Sorry if this has been blogged earlier but don't remember any.
Article courtesy of the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Replies
They are in damage control, the NRL have refused to be low balled over the TV deal and now with Optus throwing their hats into the ring they are slinging as much shit as they can. Stop reading and believing their tubbish