Broncos legend Corey Parker has named outgoing Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin as a potential candidate for the top NRL job after Andrew Abdo reportedly announced his mid-season resignation on Monday. Abdo has been NRL CEO since 2020 but reportedly dropped a bombshell on Monday by quitting.
The NRL is yet to confirm the news, but Abdo is expected to become the new CEO of Tennis Australia after Craig Tiley departed to join the US Tennis Association in February. Abdo took charge of the NRL in April of 2020, helping the league navigate the COVID-enforced shutdown of the league.
Andrew Abdo (R) with Peter V’landys in 2023.
(Mark Evans)
Working as Peter V’landys’ right-hand man, Abdo has led the NRL to some record-breaking numbers and the introduction of season-opening games in Las Vegas. But his shock resignation means he won’t be on hand to oversee the NRL’s next broadcast deal and collective bargaining agreement with the players’ association.
V’landys will likely take over as interim CEO as he continues to work as the Australian Rugby League Commission chairman. Several names have been floated to be the next NRL CEO, with The Daily Telegraph reporting that South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly “is an obvious contender”.
Andrew Abdo at the NRL grand final in 2025.
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
On SEN radio, leading commentator Andrew Voss named Ikin and Dragons legend Mark Coyne as potential options, but admitted it’s too early to tell what might come next. But Parker said: “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.
“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.”
Ben Ikin (R) is stepping down as Queensland Rugby League CEO.
(Bradley Kanaris)Could Ben Ikin be next NRL CEO?
On social media, numerous fans have called for Ikin to get the gig. The Broncos and Maroons legend recently announced he’ll step down as CEO of the QRL following the State of Origin series.
It was originally reported that Ikin will likely step away from footy for his next role, but things could change now that Abdo has quit. Ikin is a widely-respected figure in the NRL and immensely popular with the fans.
Voss paid tribute to Abdo on SEN radio on Monday morning. “Every dealing I’ve had with Andrew Abdo – and I don’t agree with everything that the NRL does – (I’ve) never had a heated argument with him, but have debated things and disagreed on things,” Voss said.
“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.”