NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has bowed to mounting pressure and resigned from his position in charge of the game, effective immediately.
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It ends a tumultuous four years in charge of the NRL after succeeding first post-ARLC CEO Dave Smith, a man widely criticised for being out of touch the rugby league rank and file.
It saw many applaud the appointment of Greenberg, previously the game's Head of Football, but his relationship with stakeholders, including players and large sections of the media became strained over the last 12 months.
He had been waiting in a contract extension since the end of last season but it was not forthcoming prior to the COVID-19 crisis amid reports of a strained relationship with new ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys.
It left him with few allies in clubland after he had previously sought to renegotiate what many considered overtly generous grants (130 per cent of the salary caps) grants promised by former Commission chairman John Grant.
It strained their relationship and, though he enjoyed a better one with Grant's successor Peter Beattie, Greenberg gas been largely sidelined by V'landys through the current crisis.
Greenberg's relationship with the players and the RLPA ha also become strained in regards to pay-cuts amid the crisis and the conroversial no-fault stand-down policy.
He oversaw huge growth in overall revenue but, in the eyes of some, came to epitomise a bloated head office with wasteful spending highlighted by the virus-induced microscope.
It was thought the virus crisis might result in a stay of execution but Greenberg ultimately chose to go before he was pushed.
"It has been my great honour and privilege to be the CEO of the NRL for the last four years," Greenberg said.
"Despite the variety of challenges and pressures I have loved every single minute of the journey. Our growth over the last four years has been extraordinary and I am very proud of my contribution to the game.
"I am indebted to the game for the variety of opportunities and experiences that have been provided to my family and I, and we, leave with many great memories and life long friendships.
"My sincere thanks to all the stakeholders across the game, particularly the fans who are the lifeblood of rugby league. Their unwavering passion for the game is wonderful.
"I remain in awe of the players skill and bravery to play this game week in and week out and I thank all of them, both past and present, for their friendship and support.
"My thanks also to the staff and executive team at the NRL. It has been an absolute honour to lead this team of talented, resilient and hard working professionals."
Andrew Abdo, who will act as interim CEO, is among the candidates in the fresh search for a replacement but, with cost-cutting a priority, it's unlikely the game will rush the call with V'landys effectively acting as executive chairman.
"The role of chief executive of the NRL is one of the most challenging and difficult roles in Australian sport, with a diversity of passionate stakeholders," V'landys.
"ARLC thanks Todd for his contribution to the game over the last 7 years and as chief executive for the last four years."