Greenberg could help lure Hayne to Eels

Todd Greenberg has made no secret of his desire for Jarryd Hayne to return to rugby league and the NRL CEO could forseeably oversee the former NFL star’s return to the 13-a-side game, after Parramatta’s board was sacked following NSW government intervention.

Freshly-installed Parramatta administrator Max Donnelly and Greenberg will assist in formulating the Eels’s initial approach to all matters, including player recruitment and retention, according to NSW deputy premier Troy Grant.

Grant’s approach to the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority led to the sacking of the Eels board.

“Whatever powers and responsibilities the directors had before that all rests with the single temporary administrator at this point in time so he will co opt or bring on people to help him,” Grant told Triple M.

“That is a conversation he will need to have with Todd Greenberg to make sure he (Donnelly) is across all of the issues.

“Between Todd and the temporary administrator they can bring on board whoever they need to in the interim to make sure the footy club is meeting all their obligations but also making the necessary decisions.”

Hayne is being strongly linked to a return to the NRL, following his 2014 exit to play NFL after he missed Fiji’s rugby union sevens side for the Rio Olympics.

The exit of Kieran Foran from Parramatta has freed up money for the club to go after Hayne.

According to Grant, Greenberg and Donnelly will initially take a lead hand in all of the NRL club’s operations, which could also include metering out a punishment to troubled playmaker Corey Norman.

But the acquisition of Hayne, or otherwise, shapes as one of the more immediate decisions to be made at Parramatta.

The decision by ILGA to sack Parramatta’s Leagues Club board also swept the broom through their football board as they bodies are manned by the same people.

“Max Donnelly immediately assumes the roles and responsibilities and powers and functions of the directors of the Parramatta Leagues Club,” Grant said.

“In effect because they are a common board, he does so for the Parramatta Rugby League Football Club.

“He will need to reach out and work with Todd Greenberg of the NRL in relation to the footy club matters and the running of the Eels.”

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