The Eels have made a major change at the top, with legendary St Helens administrator Mike Rush locked in as the club’s new chief executive.
Rush spent an extraordinary 27 years with St Helens in the English Super League, including 13 as chief executive, where they won five titles, including four in a row.
The men’s and women’s programs dominated in England, and he’s hoping to have similar success in Australia at a club that last won a first-grade men’s title way back in 1986.
Rush replaces Jim Sarantinos in the role but will begin in England while his visa requirements are finalised.
“It’s an enormous privilege to be appointed CEO of the Parramatta Eels. This is one of rugby league’s great clubs, with a proud history, passionate supporters and a deep connection to its community,” he said.
“I’m honoured to be given this opportunity. My focus will be on building a premiership-winning club that develops its own talent and makes our members and community proud.
“My priorities are clear: to support the Eels football department across the men’s and women’s programs, to grow our membership and commercial base and to make sure every Eels member and fan feels part of the club.
“Parramatta has a strong foundation and enormous potential. I want to thank the chairman and the board for their confidence and trust in me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Parramatta Eels chairman Matthew Beach welcomed Rush into the role, with fans hoping the club can land more top talent to end their premiership drought after recently securing Jarome Luai and Spencer Leniu.
“The board conducted a comprehensive search process and interviewed some very strong candidates, and I’d like to thank all candidates for their time and professionalism,” he said.
“Mike was one of the first candidates we were connected with, and his track record made him the standout in a strong field.
“On behalf of the board, I’m delighted to welcome Mike as our new chief executive.
“We were looking for a football CEO: someone with extensive rugby league experience who understood how to align strong junior pathways with elite men’s and women’s programs while creating a high-performance culture that delivers long-term success. Mike’s record at St Helens demonstrates exactly that.
“As a club, we have a proud history and our ambition is simple: to build a club that consistently competes for premierships and delivers success for our members and supporters.
“Mike is the right person to lead the club through its next chapter, and the board looks forward to working closely with him.”
“I’d like to thank my fellow board members and the executive management team for their dedication and professionalism during this process. I’m grateful for the trust and support that everyone has shown throughout this process.”
Originally published as ‘My priorities are clear’: St Helens legend unveiled as new Eels chief executive