Buzz writes something sensible, was bound to happen someday.
https://tinyurl.com/y3clj35q
Todd Greenberg’s cosy bond with the stars
Todd Greenberg likes to have a cosy relationship with the NRL’s most elite players.
This can work two ways. It’s good that he regularly communicates with the stars but it can also become dangerous territory if fans form the view there are benefits for some that are not available to others.
When Greg Inglis was caught drink-driving and speeding (from which about 2500 lives are lost on our national roads each year), the NRL chief executive wrote him a glowing reference to take to court.
This is something not available to other players with lower profiles who have faced similar charges. Then when GI retired earlier this year from injuries, Greenberg ensured he had a job after footy at the Rabbitohs and that his $1 million contract would not be included in Souths’ salary cap.
This was a complete about-face on other footballers who have retired because of injuries but were still included in the salary cap, such as Brett Stewart at Manly.
About eight weeks ago, Greenberg invited Sam Burgess into NRL headquarters for a private one-on-one meeting. They had coffee in Greenberg’s office and a general chat about life and footy.
About six weeks later, the same Sam Burgess escaped punishment for a terrible high tackle on Cronulla Sharks fullback Matt Moylan that left the player with severe concussion and sidelined for two weeks.
We are not suggesting Greenberg used his influence in any way with the independent judiciary. However, there could be a perception out there that if you’re close to the boss, you get a rails run. Other players have been suspended for far less serious incidents. Ask Tariq Sims, who missed a State of Origin game for a slightly late tackle.
Then there is Cameron Smith’s story and the diamond ring that has been valued at up to $5000.
Barb Smith is no different to other footy wags who give up their lives for a huge part of the year to support their husbands. These amazing women should all be thanked and recognised.
Smith’s family already pocketed $100,000 from a testimonial game and a crystal football for the mantelpiece in recognition of his extraordinary achievements.
Greenberg is close to Smith and his manager Isaac Moses.
Other one-club warhorses have had testimonial games knocked back. Wealthy footballers should be like all of us. There are Angus & Coote or Michael Hill jewellery shops to buy a wife a diamond ring. Battlers use their own money, so why shouldn’t a $1 million-a-year footballer.
Other women in rugby league deserve recognition as much as Barb Smith. I’d be buying Joyce Churchill a ring to salute and acknowledge her contribution to the game in carrying her husband’s name with such class and dignity at the grand final each year.
Or one of the hundreds of fantastic female volunteers who run canteens, barbecues, coach, manage or do ground duties every weekend of the season. They are the real heroes of rugby league.
