Queensland Rugby League chairman Brian Canavan has admitted he was completely blindsided by Ben Ikin‘s decision to step down as CEO and didn’t see it coming at all. Ikin announced his resignation on Thursday just three weeks out from the State of Origin series opener.
A Queensland legend who played 17 Origin games for the Maroons, Ikin will remain CEO of the QRL for the upcoming series before leaving his post at the end of July. The 49-year-old had been linked to a role at the Perth Bears but is expected to move away from football completely.
Ben Ikin (L) has announced his resignation as Queensland Rugby League CEO. Image: Getty
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at the QRL,” Ikin said in a statement. “I’ve met so many great people and created some incredible memories, I leave feeling very grateful.”
Speaking to The Courier Mail, QRL chairman Canavan said the board was left stunned by Ikin’s decision. “We are shocked and surprised by the news,” Canavan said. “We acknowledge that Ben is such a progressive person and he has put our organisation in a really strong position as one of the leading sporting organisations in the state.
“We are in good shape and now we will commence the replacement process. Ben’s leadership has placed the QRL in a very strong position in the sporting landscape and our on-going strategies and programs are well advanced.”
Ben Ikin has been Queensland CEO since 2023.
(Getty Images)Queensland ‘devastated’ by Ben Ikin departure
The Courier Mail quoted a ‘source close to the QRL’ that said: “The staff are devastated by the news. ‘Ikey’ is a great operator, he will be difficult to replace.”
Ikin joined the QRL in 2023 after leaving his role as Brisbane Broncos football boss under then-coach Kevin Walters. He’s overseen two series victories out of three since joining the QRL. He’d previously served in management roles at the Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys, as well as being a long-time analyst on Fox Sports.
His departure comes with Queensland coach Billy Slater in the final year of a three-year deal. Ikin was part of the panel that appointed Slater as Maroons coach, with Slater recently admitting he hasn’t made up his mind as to whether he wants to keep going in the role past this year.
“We are a bit stunned, but he leaves the place in good shape and we can now just keep going,” Canavan added. “There are no issues with Ben, he was just looking for a new experience.”