The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7 Blake Solly’s name in the mix to replace Andrew Abdo as NRL CEO after shock resignation – available to stream on 7plus.
Blake Solly, South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO shortlisted to replace Andrew Abdo as NRL CEO, while Woodys wants V’landy’s to be both CEO and Chair.
CP: Andrew Abdo resigning from his tenure at the helm of the NRL in the last six years. From where he was, Dave, to where the game is right now certainly leaves it in better shape.
DR: Oh absolutely he does. He will go down as one of the NRL’s best administrators. I’ve got no doubt about that. I think it’s a blow as far as the cohesion that he and Peter V’landys have had over the past six years. You have to think about the hurdles they’ve jumped as a unit and as a combination. We talk about the COVID pandemic when Andrew came into the role and then the growth of the game has just been exponential while he’s been in the seat. What we do know is that Peter V’Landys is arguably the best mover and shaker in Australian sport. Therefore, with Andrew’s departure, the game is in incredibly safe hands. He will move into the interim CEO role once Andrew moves on July 15.
AW: Can he take over the whole thing?
DR: He’s taken four months long service leave from racing New South Wales to dedicate himself to this job. Can he take it on long term? Potentially. I wouldn’t rule it out.
AW: He’s the one who saved the game.
DR: He says he’s definitely going to start the search as far as a replacement is concerned. But for Andrew Abdo moving to Tennis Australia, that’s a huge appointment. He replaces Craig Tiley as their CEO. The focus now is on the broadcast rights. I think with the mere fact that Peter V’landys remains in charge, I still think the game is in unbelievable state and so too safe hands in regards to getting the best deal possible for the game.
CP: The possible people that will come in and fill that void. Has there been a list shortlisted already in the short term? It only came to light this afternoon.
DR: It’s a massive breaking story today. It is moving fast. Names have been tossed up but certainly nothing significant as far as a deal being done. Blake Solly from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the club’s CEO, has jumped up. Whether he’s interested in the role, we don’t know. But Peter V’landys was quite clear. He said this doesn’t have to be a CEO from within the current game. He’s happy to look outside.
The Agenda Setters: Rugby League – Mondays on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport
Media Release – Seven
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The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7 Blake Solly’s name in the mix to replace Andrew Abdo as NRL CEO after shock resignation
