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The CEO of the NRL, David Gallop, has resigned. The news doesn’t come as a complete shock to the rugby league fraternity, however the timing has surprised many.
The monumental news had attracted the odd whisper. However, few, if any, were aware that Gallop had decided to move on from the NRL so soon.
Whilst many fans, executives and media identities would have liked Gallop to resign, he always stood strong and gave the impression that he was going nowhere.
Just last month there were reports that he was growing tired of the high position he held in the game, yet Gallop refuted the stories swiftly.
When you’re in such a high profile position of power, there will naturally be detractors. It’s simply impossible to please everyone in a role such as Gallop’s. Yet, I personally think he did an outstanding job during his tenure as the boss of the NRL.
His job was not an easy one. Nor was it one for any individual light on mental toughness. He faced many hurdles, many issues and many enemies whilst running the game of rugby league. Yet he always fronted the media and never shied away from the tough questions.
In many regards, he became the face of rugby league when something went wrong, such was his propensity to ‘face the music’.
One of the aforementioned detractors was Phil ‘Gus Gould, who was never afraid to criticise Gallop via his media commitments in print, radio or TV. Gould once attacked Gallop on Channel’s 9 The Footy Show with such venom that one could only call it an ambush.
Yet Gallop remained cool under pressure, and attempted to answer Gould’s questions with integrity and professionalism. Even when he was being interrupted before finishing.
I’ll remember Gallop’s time with the NRL as a man that had one of the toughest, if not toughest, jobs in Australian sport, yet always maintained his dignity. He was respected. He made mistakes, but who of us hasn’t?
The biggest criticism of Gallop is that he didn’t always make the tough decisions. But that conveniently overlooks the fact that he didn’t always have the power to do so. It’s also inaccurate, as the Melbourne Storm, Brett Stewart and Todd Carney would certainly not think that Gallop was overly lenient.
Gallop leaves the game in a better place than when he took over. He also leaves respected by many.
He’ll be missed, but the game moves on.
And whilst I was a supporter of Gallop’s, the time may be ripe for a new type of leadership, working with the Independent Commission.
To David Gallop, I say, a job well done.
Now go and enjoy the rest of your life. You’ve earned it.