NRL

Peter V’landys is set to take on the most powerful role in rugby league after receiving the backing of the Australian Rugby League Commission to become the NRL’s first executive chairman according to reports at CODE Sports.

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The move would combine his existing position as ARLC chairman with executive responsibility for the NRL, effectively placing him in charge of both the game’s governing body and its day-to-day operations.

Reports suggest V’landys is expected to formally confirm his decision in the coming days, with the proposal still requiring further support from the game’s clubs and state bodies despite the ARLC tick of approval on Tuesday.

V’landys has served as ARLC chairman since 2019 and stepped into the interim executive role following Andrew Abdo’s departure as NRL chief executive earlier this year.

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His tenure has included the recent negotiation of the NRL’s record $5.3 billion broadcast rights agreement, the confirmation of the Perth Bears and plans for further expansion, including a potential 20th team.

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The proposed elevation would represent a major change to the NRL’s leadership structure, giving V’landys unprecedented influence over the sport as he pursues an increasingly global vision for the game.

It is also expected to bring his 22-year tenure as Racing NSW chief executive to an end, with the administrator having taken leave from the racing organisation while overseeing the NRL on an interim basis.

V’landys’ first major projects in the expanded role could include the NRL’s proposed investment in the English Super League and the continued push to grow rugby league’s commercial and international footprint.

There have been critics of some decisions made by the NRL’s current administration, but nobody can deny the position the game currently finds itself in.

Financially, rugby league has arguably never been in a stronger position, with record revenue continuing alongside audience growth that has helped the NRL secure its future and pursue several ambitious plans.

V’landys’ biggest challenges could still lie ahead, but it appears to be a challenge he is more than willing to take on, with his appointment to the expanded role now seemingly a formality.

NRL

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