NRL CEO Smith quits

NRL chief executive Dave Smith has quit after three years at the helm.

Smith was expected to inform staff of his decision on Tuesday morning and a media conference has been called for 11am at Rugby League Central.

NRL commission chairman John Grant is set to take over as interim CEO.

Smith’s exit was linked to a breakdown in negotiations over the NRL’s lucrative broadcast rights and also a rocky relationship with NRL clubs.

The NRL commission was set to launch an international search to find Smith’s successor ahead of the 2016 season.

A former banker, Smith replaced long-standing CEO David Gallop before the 2013 season.

Earlier this year he came under fire for his handling of broadcast negotiations when he signed a few free-to-air TV deal with Channel Nine before an agreement was reached over the pay-TV rights.

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