The Newcastle Knights have reportedly appointed respected rugby league administrator Peter Parr as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Currently the club’s Director of Football, Parr has agreed to a multi-year extension that will see him step into the top executive role this November, succeeding long-serving CEO Phil Gardner, according to The Newcastle Herald.
It is understood that the off-field figure agreed to the new deal two weeks ago, with Chris James – currently the club’s General Manager of Football Operations – expected to assume Parr’s current role as Director of Football starting in the 2026 NRL season.
Earlier this year, Parr was linked to a potential move to the Perth Bears to help build and oversee the development of the new 18th NRL franchise.
MORE: Newcastle Knights reportedly set to sack coach at end of season
The leadership reshuffle comes amid mounting speculation over head coach Adam O’Brien’s future, with widespread media reports suggesting the Knights are prepared to part ways with him at the end of the season.
Despite the club languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the board is expected to retain him through the end of 2025 – unless the team experiences a dramatic collapse in form during the final seven weeks of the season, according to CODE Sports.
Before joining Newcastle, Parr established himself as one of rugby league’s most astute administrators, with experience spanning the Western Reds, Adelaide Rams, Brisbane Broncos, NSW Blues, and a 20-year tenure at the North Queensland Cowboys.
“Peter will bring a new level of experience and football IQ to our operations,” Knights CEO Phil Gardner said in 2022 when he first welcomed Parr to the team.
“He was the key architect of the Cowboys becoming a consistent force in the NRL, including their charge towards a first grand final in 2005 and ultimately winning the title in 2015.
“He’s seen everything rugby league throws at you, and we know his experience and nous will be invaluable.”