The NRL has appointed Canterbury boss Todd Greenberg to be chief executive Dave Smith’s right-hand man, the former top dog to be the league’s new Head of Football.

Long regarded as one of the game’s leading administrators, Greenberg was initially thought to be a natural choice to be the NRL’s CEO following the end of David Gallop’s reign midway through last year.

Greenberg however quickly pulled out of the running citing a commitment to a Bulldogs brand he had rebuilt as well as a desire to spend more time with his family.

But with Smith lurching from one public relations disaster to another, Greenberg has been brought in to be the new face of the game.

The latest embarrassment came at the weekend when less than 5000 people attended the City-Country game in Coffs Harbour due to exorbitant ticket prices for the game.

Greenberg’s switch is a major blow for the Bulldogs, after he helped rebuild the club after a number of off-field controversies including the salary-cap scandal.

There is speculation former Manly chief executive Grant Mayer, currently a commercial manager with Wests Tigers, could be brought in to the top job at the Bulldogs.

Mayer, who also spent some time in administration with AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney Giants, has a history of working with Canterbury coach Des Hasler from their time together at the Sea Eagles.