'Why now': Mal Meninga savages timing of Todd Greenberg's departure

A shocked Mal Meninga has questioned the timing of Todd Greenberg's departure and claimed he has become a scapegoat in his exit as NRL chief executive.

Greenberg and the NRL's ‘mutual’ decision to part ways on Monday came after months of pressure from clubs and the game's broadcast partners.

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Kangaroos coach Meninga paid tribute to Greenberg's support of the international game, which has grown significantly during his time as NRL boss.

And he said any issues with the code could not solely be put on Greenberg's head.

The NRL has come under significant fire from the Nine Network in recent weeks for what they claimed was the financial mismanagement of the $1.8 billion TV deal under Greenberg.

Greenberg also had his opposers in clubs, amid fears some could go bust as the game lacked a significant rainy day fund once the coronavirus hit.

Of note had been claims by clubs they hadn't been paid in full a promised amount by the NRL since the stoppage, forcing chairman Peter V'landys to step in and resolve the issue.

However, on Greenberg's watch the game's revenue has increased dramatically, albeit in a time where expenditure has also been significantly on the rise.

Meninga hits out after Greenberg’s departure

But Meninga said any lack of real reserves couldn't be pinned on Greenberg alone.

“For me if he is to blame, everyone has to be to blame about where the game has gone over the past few years,” Meninga told Fox League Live.

“And in my opinion I think it (the game) is looking really good.

“I know there have been some financial issues at the moment but does that go on Todd?

“It's like a coach. If a club is not being successful, you can't look at the administration, you can't look at the players so you got the coach and he gets the sack.

“Because he's is the easy one, the easy option for you. I would assume it's the same with the game.

“There are a lot of people around Todd that make some tough decisions through the year.

“The CFO, the football manager, the executive. And then all of a sudden the head guy falls on his sword.”

Meninga also claimed other heads would have to roll as a result, as the focus now intensifies on the NRL office.

But the rugby league immortal said the game had to be united in its bid to get back on the field, adding to his frustration over Greenberg's exit.

“I am upset in a way because why do we have to pick on him now?” Meninga said

“We are going through this crisis where we need to be all together.

“We need to sit on the same page and move forward together and instead of bagging people and making some accusations about people.

“Let's get on the same page and get the game back on the field.”