Wayne Bennett has warned Todd Greenberg that being an effective NRL CEO “comes at a price”.

Bennett on Friday welcomed news that Greenberg would take over as NRL CEO from former banker David Smith who was often at loggerheads with the clubs.

But Bennett also reminded Greenberg of the huge challenge he faced negotiating the game’s factions.

“I want him to get the job done that has to be done out there,” Bennett said.

“You have to understand that leadership sometimes comes at a price.

“He will have to pay a price to lead this game – there are a lot of factions in the game.”

But Bennett believed Greenberg’s background as a former Bulldogs CEO would help him navigate the tough road ahead.

“I am pleased for Todd. He has a great challenge ahead of him,” Bennett said.

“I hope he is up to it. It wears a lot of people out that job.

“(But) he has been a CEO of a club so I think that is pretty important.

“He understands the game. That is an important quality.”