Greenberg, who held the role for four years, stepped down following mounting criticism from clubs and broadcasters.

The Australian is also set to lose his place on the International Rugby League Board following his resignation.

NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo has taken over as acting chief executive.

In a statement, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), an independent board that oversees the game in the country, said the decision had been mutual and came "after reflecting on the needs of the game".

The Nine Network, one of the five main free-to-air broadcasters in Australia and a longstanding partner of the NRL, had publicly criticised the leadership and administrators at the governing body.

The network alleged Greenberg had financially mismanaged its deal with the NRL, thought to be worth around AUD1.8 billion (£920 million/$1.1 billion/€1 billion).

"Nine has invested hundreds of millions in this game over decades and we now find they have profoundly wasted those funds with very little to fall back on to support the clubs, the players and supporters," a spokesman had said.

Clubs were also thought to have been unhappy with the lack of financial support from the NRL during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has sparked a near-total shutdown of sport worldwide.

Reports have surfaced this week that an unnamed club executive had sent a furious email to ARLC chairman Peter V'landys, complaining about Greenberg and other executives, prior to the announcement of his resignation.

"It has been my great honour and privilege to be the chief executive of the NRL for the last four years," Greenberg said.

"Despite the variety of challenges and pressures I have loved every single minute of the journey. 

"Our growth over the last four years has been extraordinary and I am very proud of my contribution to the game."