New NRL CEO ... Dave Smith Photo: Michele Mossop
The NRL's new chief executive is reportedly senior banker David Smith.
The ARL Commission will officially unveil their new CEO on Friday morning at Rugby League Central, and Smith - the chief executive of Lloyds International based in Sydney - has been appointed.
He takes over from David Gallop, who left the NRL in June.
Smith is said to have no previous experience in rugby league.
The announcement will be made in conjunction with the draw for first 20 rounds of the 2013 season at media conference at 11am (AEDT).
It will round off a momentous week for the code, with the commission making the controversial decision to outlaw the shoulder charge on Wednesday.
Meantime, Sydney Roosters will hope Sonny Bill Williams has recovered from his shoulder injury in time for their clash with the Bulldogs in round six.
Premiers Melbourne will host Canterbury in a match which will take centre stage in round three when they clash at AAMI Park on Thursday March 21, two weeks after the Roosters host traditional rivals South Sydney at Allianz Stadium to kick off the season.
"We're pleased to be hosting the Bulldogs early. It will be interesting to have rugby league in Victoria on a Thursday night," Storm chief executive Ron Gauci said.
"We're looking forward to it and very excited about the prospect of having the grand-final rematch at AAMI Park that early in the season."
Asked about the prospects of putting up the 'house full' sign, Gauci said: "We would hope so, but again Thursday night is an experiment. We would hope Melburnians would like to come and see that game."
A massive crowd will also be expected for the season-opener on March 7.
Fans and clubs have been sweating on the draw for some weeks, with the 2013 edition to be the first featuring fixed scheduling for the majority of the season.
Ricky Stuart's life as Parramatta coach will kick off with a home encounter against the Warriors in a Saturday night encounter, while Manly will host rivals Newcastle in round two in another 2013 innovation - a Sunday twilight encounter.
Other notable fixtures include Cronulla's Friday night away game against Wests Tigers, when a plethora of Sharks' players will face up to their former teammates, while St George Illawarra's 12-year hoodoo in the nation's capital will go on the line in round three when they take on Canberra.
AAP
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