Peter V’landys to serve as interim NRL chief executive after Abdo resignation

Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys will take over as the NRL’s interim chief executive officer after Andrew Abdo announced his resignation from the post on Monday afternoon.

Abdo will leave one of Australian sport’s biggest jobs on July 15 after a six-year tenure in which rugby league has enjoyed record crowds and TV ratings, as well as undertaking landmark expansion projects in Papua New Guinea and Perth, to join Tennis Australia as their new chief executive following Craig Tiley’s exit.

“Leading the NRL has been a privilege and the highlight of my career,” Abdo said. “Together we have built a strong, innovative and resilient organisation, expanded the reach of the game and positioned it for an exciting future.

“Rugby league has given me opportunities I could only have dreamed of, experiences that cannot be compared, and I have made friendships for a lifetime. It has been an honour to be part of the rugby league family.

“The NRL is in a strong position — strategically, commercially and in how it is governed. The game doesn’t stand still, and it shouldn’t. The game means so much to so many, and the future of rugby league has never been more exciting. I look forward to watching that continued success from the outside.”

The move by V’landys to take on the dual roles after Abdo’s departure mirrors the situation when John Grant temporarily held the ARLC chair and NRL CEO positions after David Smith departed as CEO in 2015.

V’landys will take long service leave from his role as Racing NSW CEO while he juggles the two jobs for the NRL.

“Naturally, I’m devastated that Andrew is leaving as he has been one of the best things that has happened to the game,” V’landys said.

“I said when he was appointed that he would be the best NRL CEO ever, and he has been. Andrew’s professionalism, conscientiousness and work ethic will be impossible to replace. I am very sad, however, the opportunity he has been given to run Tennis Australia is a testament to how good he is.

“We respect his decision. This is a significant opportunity and one he has earned. On a personal note, you would not meet a more loyal person than Andrew, and I’m very fortunate to have had him as a friend and confidant.”

Abdo’s decision comes as the NRL conducts critical negotiations around its next broadcast cycle, which expires after the 2027 season. At the same time, the game’s expansion into new markets also shapes a significant juncture for the code.

PNG’s entry to the NRL in 2028 comes off the back of a historic $600 million partnership between the Australian and PNG governments, bringing a level of scrutiny and diplomatic exposure rarely seen in rugby league.

Broadcast negotiations with a host of potential suitors, including existing free-to-air rights holders Nine, the publishers of this masthead, and DAZN-owned Foxtel, have gathered momentum as the NRL pursues a record-breaking TV deal.

Broadcasters bidding for rights have been asked to present their best submissions to the governing body this week.

Abdo has also led ventures, including replicating the NRL’s Las Vegas season launch in other global locations and potential investment in the English Super League. Abdo recently met with his UK counterparts on both English and Australian soil as part of the NRL’s bid to strengthen the code internationally.

Under Abdo’s watch, the NRL posted a record operating surplus of $64.8 million in 2025.