Dave Smith quits as NRL chief after three years in charge as search begins for his successor

  • NRL chief executive Dave Smith resigned after three years in charge 
  • Smith informed his staff on Tuesday morning of his decision 
  • NRL chairman John Grant is set to take over as interim CEO
  • Smith's three-year tenure is reported to end on November 30 

NRL chief executive Dave Smith has quit the game's top job after three years at the helm.

Smith informed his staff on Tuesday morning of his decision at Rugby League Central.

NRL chairman John Grant is set to take over as interim CEO for the time being. Smith's tenure is reported to end on November 30. 

Scroll down for video 

NRL chief executive Dave Smith resigned after three years in charge

NRL chief executive Dave Smith resigned after three years in charge

Smith informed his staff on Tuesday morning of his decision to leave the top job

Smith informed his staff on Tuesday morning of his decision to leave the top job

The Courier Mail reports that the independent commission will undertake a worldwide recruitment search to find a new boss before the season gets underway next year.

Smith's biggest downfall was when he oversaw a breakdown in broadcast rights negotiations and he had an increasingly unsettled relationship with NRL clubs in recent times. It's believed these are the main reasons for his decision to quit.

Smith had been reported as saying in recent weeks that he had no plans to quit but pressure over his failure to complete a $1.7 billion TV and digital broadcast rights deal looks to have been the main reason for his decision to go.

His three-year tenure is reported to end on November 30 when the search will begin for a new CEO

His three-year tenure is reported to end on November 30 when the search will begin for a new CEO

'There's no pushing (out) - this was entirely my decision. We (the NRL) are in great shape. We've had a great season, ' Smith told 9 News. 

'It's been an absolute privilege to lead the game for the past three years. I'll continue to be a fan of the game.'

Smith described the job as being 'intense' and 'volatile', while he admitted to not having seen his family in 'three years' since taking over the job. He was now looking forward to spending some time with them.