NRL games here to stay

Not because they didn’t perhaps have reservations about the former Bulldogs CEO and NRL head of football – Greenberg himself admitted at Thursday’s Illawarra Rugby League luncheon that he never has to look very far for “feedback.”

The Illawarra league community in particular have reason to be wary of men in suits.

They’ve watched a steady flow of top-flight games away from Wollongong as part of a push to larger Sydney Stadiums.

But one thing people can agree on is that, unlike his predecessor who struggled to name the then reigning Dally M medalist, Greenberg understands rugby league; lives and breathes it even.

And, in what is surely music to ears of the Illawarra faithful, He also knows that Wollongong isn’t Sydney and shouldn’t be treated as such.

“I think [Wollongong] is different and I think all of our challenges across these areas are slightly unique,” Greenberg said on his first visit to Wollongong as NRL CEO on Thursday.

“We will never ever take for granted what we have in regional centres and the pipeline of talent and the pathways for our participants they provide.

“We’ll never take for granted the commitment of the people here, particularly volunteers, we need to make sure we shape our investments for the future to make sure places like Wollongong continue to thrive.

“The Illawarra is the gateway for us all the way down the South Coast so we’ve got to make sure we have a footprint to make sure people identify rugby league with their community.”

Part of that includes a commitment to work with St George lllawarra to ensure WIN Stadium continues to host regular NRL fixtures amid fears more games could be lost to larger Sydney stadiums.

“My view is strongly that we need to find balance,” Greenberg said.

“The Dragons and the NRL will continue to work together to make sure there is always high level games played in the Illawarra.

“I think it’s really important that NRL games continue to be played here and for kids to be able to get close enough to see the NRL stars on a regular basis.That has an aspirational component for kids.

“What you’ll find is we’re looking for a balance and that’s not just about St George it’s about all of our suburban venues. It’s not a one size fits all policy.

“Just because we’re building fantastic stadiums which will be really game-changing for our city, it doesn’t mean we can’t have our suburban venues as well.”