Former Panthers supremo Phil Gould has led a strong call for the NRL's next CEO appointment to have a strong rugby league foundations.
Just days after Todd Greenberg was sensationally stood down as CEO on mutual grounds, Gould declared one of the biggest complaints from clubs is that the game is being governed by non-rugby league people.
The appointment of the new CEO will remain on the back burner while it continues to navigate the restart of the 2020 season amidst the coronavirus lock down, with a May 28th return now officially confirmed.
But Gould, who despite strong support withdrew from the race to head the game, believes the NRL must begin to prioritise acquiring someone with a connection to the game over business acumen.
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"One of the criticisms of head office is there is no history at head office," Gould told the Six Tackles With Gus podcast.
"There are very few, if any people, who have actually been in this game for an extended period of time who have lived through the difficulties we've had in the past.
"That can be both an asset, or a liability at times as well."
Greenberg's departure had already been rumoured before a ball had been kicked this season, with his exit now spurning speculation over who will replace the former Bulldogs boss at the top.
Club bosses such as Melbourne CEO Dave Donaghy, Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly and Broncos boss Paul White have been touted for the role, while former South Sydney GM Shane Richardson has also been mentioned.
Whilst it is unlikely, strong calls have been made for commission chairman Peter V'landys to step into the role, with the way the Racing NSW CEO has spearheaded the NRL's decision-making through the coronavirus stand down.
With the current pandemic unearthing a range of financial shortfalls under Greenberg's leadership, Gould has called for a strong change of tack for the game going forward.
"There's no doubt as our game brought in more revenue we needed business people, which is why we moved to a commission," he said.
"We felt that these people, having been successes in their own life in the business world, could guide our game.
"But the system just hasn't worked like that, unfortunately.
"It hasn't produced the results - we've tried to make it too difficult.
"It's football, it's not BHP. This is not the NAB (bank), this is a football competition.
"It should be really simple: to look after our current, our future, and to respect our past."
