V'Landys "devastated" to lose Abdo to rival code

RECAP

• Andrew Abdo has resigned as NRL CEO after six years of service
• He fill replace the vacant CEO position at Tennis Australia
• Abdo's will remain as NRL CEO until July
• Peter V'Landys will fill in as interim CEO beyond that
• LISTEN LIVE TO SEN

Outgoing NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has expressed his gratitude towards the organisation as he leaves the NRL to join Tennis Australia.

Abdo has been in the top job for the last six years in which he helped oversee the competition's recovery from the effects of Covid to helping introduce the Dolphins and the expected entries of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs alongside the push for matches to go overseas.

Speaking in a press conference, the South African was proud of the work he has accomplished but notes the sport has so much room to grow.

"Today's a pretty emotional day for me," Abdo said.

"I love Rugby League. It's part of my DNA.

"For the last 13 years, I've loved every aspect of being part of the sport. Rugby league has welcomed me into the family, and I've never felt more at home.

"When Peter and the Australian Rugby League Commission appointed me as CEO, my goal was pretty simple: to try and leave the sport in a better and stronger position than it was when I joined.

"Having said that, I was appointed during a pandemic, so it's relatively easy to achieve that given what was at stake.

"When I first joined the game today, the game is strong, it's vibrant, and it's healthy. We've broken records in recent years, and the metrics that really matter.

"More people, and importantly, more young people than ever before, are playing the sport. And of course, more fans are enjoying the sport."

"The exciting part is, and I really believe this in all aspects, rugby league is only just getting started on its growth potential.

"The game is scratching the surface of what is possible, and there is literally no limit to where this game will go, and I will be cheering from the side."

Following his decision, Tennis Australia confirmed that Abdo had made the switch to replace their outgoing CEO Craig Tiley, who left TA to join the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

In a statement, Tennis Australia was pleased to bring in the South African to replace their outgoing CEO, Craig Tiley.

"NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has been appointed the new Tennis Australia Chief Executive Officer following an extensive global search," it said.

"Abdo will succeed Craig Tiley, who earlier this year announced he will depart Tennis Australia to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

"The incoming CEO said he was honoured to take on the role at an exciting time for Australian tennis.

“Tennis Australia has a unique role in Australian sport. The Australian Open is already one of the leading sporting events in the world. The opportunity is to keep evolving it – as a global event, as a fan experience, and as a platform that brings more people into the sport.

“What excites me about this role is the opportunity to grow participation, strengthen development pathways and ensure success at the elite level – so that more young Australians pick up a racquet and stay lifelong participants.

“I am excited to build off the incredible success and strength of Tennis Australia to work with an amazing team and to play my part taking the sport to the next level in Australia and on the global stage,” Abdo said.

"Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop said the appointment marks an important milestone for the organisation.

“Following a highly competitive search that attracted more than 150 candidates, Andrew Abdo stood out because of his strong track record of leadership in a high-profile sports organisation and the impressive impact he has had from community level through to the elite levels of the game.

"He is well placed to lead tennis in Australia into its next phase."

Peter V’Landys will assume the role of interim NRL CEO after Abdo’s departure in six weeks, meaning the NRL supremo will also step away from his duties with Racing NSW.

V’Landys is the Chief Executive of Racing NSW, but confirmed he will take four months' long-service leave commencing in early July when Abdo steps away.

Under the current NRL constitution, it is not possible for one person to act as both CEO and Chairman, with V’Landys not confirming his future or whether he will take over the CEO role at an NRL press conference.

In a statement, the ARLC Chairman admitted he was devastated to lose Abdo to Tennis Australia.

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

“On behalf of the Commission, I thank Andrew for his contribution and wish him well in the role ahead.”

As the news broke this morning, SEN’s Andrew Voss gave his reaction live on air, believing that he has been a great asset for the game.

“I will say this right from the top,” Voss declared on SEN’s Front Office with Vossy.

“Every dealing I've had with Andrew Abdo, and I don't agree with everything that the NRL does, and (I've) never had a heated argument with him, but have debated things and disagreed on things.

"But I think he's been a great asset to the game. That's my overview of Andrew Abdo.

“I think the way he carries himself, I think he presents the game in a great light.”

This sentiment is shared by Corey Parker, who believes Abdo has left the game in a better place than he found it.

“It comes as a surprise that (he) has resigned from the NRL,” Parker said.

“But in saying that, what he's done for the NRL from when he first entered…he's left it in a better place, so he's done a great job.

“He’s a great operator, he's very accommodating, and ultimately, at the end of the day, the game is in such a good place, and a lot of that's to do with his involvement.

“From a visual perspective, it's changed considerably, hasn't it?

“I mean, you've got the new six again, you've got the new interchange rule, but I think just from a product, from eyeballs on TV screens, he would have seen two broadcast deals.

“I think the game's changed considerably, and they've been at the forefront of ensuring that it's all for the better.

“I think it's pretty fair to say that all the numbers and the metrics and everything around it back up everything they've done.

“He will be missed in the game, and (it's) big shoes to fill whoever comes in.

Parker then threw up a potential candidate, believing former QRL CEO Ben Ikin would make for a suitable candidate.

“I know Ben Ikin, and from what I've seen from Ben Ikin, the game would certainly thrive under his guidance if he was to go into that role,” he added.

“I don't know if it's something that he wants to do, but, if it was to come to fruition, the game would be in great hands with him at the helm anyway.”

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