NRL CEO Dave Smith resigns after three years in charge

NRL boss Dave Smith says he hopes to have left the game in strong condition after announcing he will resign from the top job at the end of the month. 

A former banker, Mr Smith was appointed as CEO of the Australian Rugby League Commission - which manages the NRL - in November 2012. 

He will leave the role on November 30.

Speaking with 9NEWS reporter Danny Weidler in his first interview since the news broke, Mr Smith said the decision to resign was his alone.

"It’s a great job, it’s a privilege," Mr Smith said. 

"It’s a privilege to represent millions of people, the players, administrators.

"It’s three years of my life I’ll never forget.

"I am someone who comes in to change things up but it’s time to hand the baton to somebody else."

Mr Smith said he hoped he had left the game in strong shape for the next administrator. 

"I think it’s got to be about fans and how great this game is," he said. 

"The privilege I have had [is] to lead the game for three years and to hopefully set up the building blocks so the game is as strong in 10 years is as it is now.

"If I’ve played a small part in that … then I’m comfortable as that as a legacy." 

Mr Smith has been a polarising figure in rugby league since taking over from longtime CEO David Gallop.

ARLC chairman John Grant will take over as interim chief executive.