Departing National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith has "packed up his office and left the NRL more than a month ahead of the scheduled departure date," according to Phil Rothfield of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Yet Smith will continue to be paid his A$25,000 ($18,100)-a-week salary until the end of next month. He is on an annual salary of more than A$1.3M ($940,000). Smith was "spotted moving out of Moore Park headquarters over the weekend despite formally remaining on the payroll" until Nov. 30. One exec said, "It's easier and quicker to get things done without having to run everything past the boss. We've been told to just get on with our jobs." It is "one of the busiest times of the year for NRL staffers" with the '16 draw being finalized, negotiations taking place with sponsors and the TV deal "still a long way from being done." At a phone hook-up with Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant, club chairs said that they "did not want the CEO involved in future funding talks and meetings from here on." With Smith now off the premises, senior managers "are now reporting to Grant" while recruitment firm Signium Int'l begins the search for a new leader (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 10/26).
