NRL CEO hunt nearing next stage

The race to find the next NRL chief executive is well under way with a long list of candidates being drawn up.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman John Grant says the code is seeking to appoint a successor to Dave Smith “as soon as possible” with the 2016 season looming.

Smith resigned last month after three years in the position.

Several potential replacements have been touted, including current NRL executive member Todd Greenberg.

Grant says interviews won’t begin until the list has been whittled down.

“We’re putting together a long list which has identified people who have either stepped forward and indicated their interest or who we believe could fill that role,” Grant told AAP.

“The next stage is to cut that long list down to something we can manage and start to actually approach people.”

Despite the CEO vacancy, negotiations for pay TV rights are ongoing.

Grant says rumours the new deal will include a 6pm kickoff for Friday night games in Queensland are purely speculative.

“We’re still in commercial in-confidence negotiations,” he said.

“Contemplations about when games will be played is a really early call.”

Grant was on the Gold Coast as the Titans announced a relocation to a multi-million dollar high performance centre located at the Parkwood International Golf Course.

The 10-year deal means the Titans will finally have a home 12 months after the NRL had to take control of the embattled club.

Grant said the news and the announcement of four new board members proved the Titans were moving forward.

“Nine months ago, this club was totally disconnected from the community,” Grant said.

“What we see here today is a reconnection to community.”

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