The Sea Eagles are on the hunt for a new chief executive for the 2026 season after Tony Mestrov announced his resignation to the club after three years at the helm.

Mestrov will remain in his role until December 19 as part of the transition process, with former skipper and current NRL head of integrity Jason King one of the leading candidates to replace him.

“Tony has been CEO for just over three years, and I can say that the club is on a much stronger footing than when he started, and we are very thankful for his leadership term at our club,” chairman Scott Penn said.

“Tony has overseen the successful growth of commercial revenues, memberships and ticket sales while at the same time helping to transform the culture of our office teams.

“On behalf of the board, I thank Tony for his dedication and for a legacy contribution to the club. We wish him all the very best with his next venture.”

It’s been a turbulent 12 months on the northern beaches, with the club blindsided by captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ bombshell announcement during a television appearance that he would be leaving at the end of the year.

That prompted a revised offer from the Sea Eagles on NRL 360 a few minutes later that Cherry-Evans swiftly declined in a sign that things between the club legend and officials were irreparable.

There were fears from fans that another stalled negotiation could force superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic move to the Super League, but he’s staying put after signing a one-year extension just last week.

Whoever comes in still has to navigate several looming deals, with the club desperate for success after missing out on the finals.

“After a three-year term, there are mixed feelings in departing Manly. I am proud of the business transformation delivered by a hardworking team that I had the pleasure to lead,” Mestrov said.

“I believe the club is well positioned for future success, on and off the field, and can build upon the foundations that are now in place.

“I look forward to keeping in touch with the Manly family who have been welcoming and supportive during my tenure – and a particular thanks must go the staff and supporters for their commitment and passion for the club, which helped underpin the journey of the past three years.”

Originally published as ‘Much stronger footing than when he started’: Sea Eagles confirm Tony Mestrov will depart the club