"At least he won't call me Benji Barba."
With those words Benji Marshall has welcomed his return as one of the NRL's best known players, at least at the game's top executive level, ahead of Todd Greenberg's likely ascension to the chief executive role.
One of former CEO Dave Smith's biggest gaffes was confusing two of the NRL's biggest names in Marshall and Ben Barba at the 2013 season launch shortly after being appointed to the top job.
It was one of a number of knowledge knock-ons Smith made during his lacklustre three year term as NRL boss, which included not knowing who Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith was.
ARL Commission chairman John Grant has always insisted Smith's successor should have a strong knowledge of rugby league, unlike the Welsh banker.
And in the former Canterbury CEO and current NRL head of football Greenberg they believe they have their man.
"I think it is great, he won't call me Benji Barba, that is for sure," Marshall said on Thursday when asked about Greenberg's likely rise up the NRL administration ranks.
"The good thing about Todd is he is well known around football circles and the job he has done at the Bulldogs and the job he is doing at the NRL is outstanding.
"I know Todd on a different level and he would be great for the game."
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