NRL CEO Dave Smith has resigned after three years in the top job, with the announcement expected to be made at 10am today.
John Grant, the current chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has been named as the interim CEO.
More to come, but a quick glance of Twitter suggests there’s already a bit of outrage and speculation:
Dave Smith kept saying he would not quit… WTF!!!
— The Mole (@RLW_Mole) October 19, 2015
You’re either for Dave Smith, or you’re against Rugby League. Literally no middle ground in my eyes.
— Brendan Johnson (@the_red_heifer) October 19, 2015
Cleary sacked, Smith resigns within 24 hours.
Dave Smith obviously going to Penrith.
— ??????? (@niles1991) October 19, 2015
Smith apparently told The Daily Tele recently that he had no plans to quit, but they’re reporting that the breakdown in a $1.7 billion TV and digital broadcast rights deal led to his decision to quit.
A worldwide recruitment search for a new CEO is expected to be undertaken with the aim to hire someone before the start of next season.
Image: Matt Roberts via Getty Images.
