ARL Chairman Peter V’landys has confirmed the resignation of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
Speaking at a press conference in Sydney, V’landys made several jokes about Abdo’s new role before admitting the rumours of him joining Tennis Australia to replace Craig Tiley were correct.
“A very hard day for me personally, but it is with much disappointment that I announce Andre Abdo has joined… the One Nation party,” he smirked.
“You all thought it was Tennis Australia—but jokes aside Andrew is leaving us to be the CEO of Tennis Australia.”
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V’landys described the news as being a very sad day for rugby league.
“Andrew has been the ultimate professional, he has been loyal, he has been hard working, he has been every adjective I can think—I can’t think of a better CEO,” he said.
“I said when Andrew was appointed he would be the best NRL CEO ever, and for once I was right, because he has been.
“The rapid growth of the game in the last six years has been extraordinary, we have more viewers, more revenue, more assets, more everything.”
‘The game is only scratching the surface’
When given the floor by his soon-to-be former boss, Abdo explained the decision to leave the NRL had been ‘pretty emotional’.
“I love rugby league, its part of my DNA,” Abdo said, expressing pride in the game’s achievements under his watch since 2020 and excitement for what lays ahead in terms of continued expansion and growth.
“The game is only scratching the surface of what is possible, and there is literally no limit to where this game will go.
“I will be cheering from the sidelines.”