Talking Footy

The ARL Despite a strong first public appearance, Smith's lack of sports administration and his passion for rugby union, having played it while growing up in Wales, have immediately come into question.

"I love rugby league," he told a packed media conference. "I am a fan of rugby league, I am a fan of rugby union and multiple sports. I watch all sports and really enjoyed the grand final. For it to be reported I am not a fan is misleading."

Later, in a separate interview with The Daily Telegraph, the 48-year-old was asked if he knew the players in an iconic shot from the first All-Stars match on the wall at League Central, in which Wendell Sailor is using a corner post as a didgeridoo.

They included current Test stars Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday, as well as Blake Ferguson and Carl Webb.

"No, I can't name any of those players," Smith admitted.

Asked if he could name the Australian captain, Smith replied: "No. As I say, I am a fan. I am like most fans. I watch a game of footy on the TV. I'll watch the Roosters or I'll watch State of Origin or I'll watch the recent international match. I have been on a plane for half of this year.

"Frankly, I would struggle to name a captain of any team. I am not an encyclopaedia on rugby league. I won't profess to be.

Rabbit wrote:

What's your point. The commission said that who they pick was not necessarily going to be from a Rugby League background.

Xman wrote:

Rabbit wrote:

What's your point. The commission said that who they pick was not necessarily going to be from a Rugby League background.

at least he could know the game......apparantly he called it "rugby". Dont RL fans hate that?

eelofwest wrote:

Xman wrote:

Rabbit wrote:

What's your point. The commission said that who they pick was not necessarily going to be from a Rugby League background.

at least he could know the game......apparantly he called it "rugby". Dont RL fans hate that?

Not Really we hate the game of AFL more then rugby, i would rather watch a rugby match then AFL.

This guy has run several big companies which are 10 times bigger then the AFL, somehow i think this bloke will lead our business/RL in the right direction.

Xman wrote:

eelofwest wrote:

Xman wrote:

at least he could know the game......apparantly he called it "rugby". Dont RL fans hate that?

Not Really we hate the game of AFL more then rugby, i would rather watch a rugby match then AFL.

This guy has run several big companies which are 10 times bigger then the AFL, somehow i think this bloke will lead our business/RL in the right direction.

Which business? Rugby?

Oh and can you show evidence he was CEO of a 10 billion dollar company?

Mr Smith is a Chief Executive and not a traditional financer or banker, he is a Welshman who nine years ago, moved with his young family to Australia and ultimately has had responsibility for managing Lloyds International with International assets of AUD $50 billion.

He has spent the last 25 years managing big businesses both nationally and internationally and said he was really looking forward to his new role working in Rugby League.

Rabbit wrote:

Great times ahead for the NRL. I like how this guy handles himself. We will soon find out if he is the real deal

Xman wrote:

Rabbit wrote:

Great times ahead for the NRL. I like how this guy handles himself. We will soon find out if he is the real deal

he knows business, not sport, or RL. Is that what RL fans really want?