NRL boss Andrew Abdo confirms departure, Peter V'landys to take over on interim basis

Andrew Abdo has officially quit as chief executive officer of the NRL, with Peter V'landys set to take control on an interim basis.

News broke on Monday morning that Abdo would be stepping aside after six years, which will come into effect on July 15 after this year's State of Origin series finishes and the new broadcast negotiations have been finalised.

Abdo will make the move to Tennis Australia to replace outgoing boss Craig Tiley.

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It ends a lengthy partnership between V'landys and Abdo, who came together at the height of the COVID pandemic and helped take the sport to new heights.

"It's a very sad day for rugby league," V'landys said at a press conference after briefly joking that Abdo would be joining the One Nation political party.

"Andrew has been the ultimate professional, he has been loyal and he has been hard working - every adjective I can think of - and I can't think of a better CEO.

"He has been by far the best CEO in the NRL. The rapid growth of the game in the past six years has been extraordinary. We've got more viewers, revenue, assets, everything.

"I will be taking on executive duties until a replacement is found. I've taken four months of long service leave from my current role at Racing NSW to take this on.

"I'm still recovering from the fetal position when Andrew resigned. Until I can get myself out of that corner, then I'll start thinking about what the future is.

"I can assure you that I will not be CEO [permanently]. Andrew is going to be hard to replace ... we're gonna need Superman and Jesus added together.

"We'll take our time, I'm, not gonna rush it because it's a crucial time for the game."

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V'landys said the move had remained a secret for "at least a week" but conceded they were hoping to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to confirm the news.

While he denied that he would take over the CEO role permanently, V'landys didn't shut the door completely on becoming the executive chairman, but flagged there would need to be a change to the ARLC constitution to become an option.

Abdo said working in the top job has been an "honour" and believes the game remains in a strong position moving into the future.

"Leading the NRL has been a privilege and the highlight of my career," he said.

"Together we have built a strong, innovative and resilient organisation, expanded the reach of the game and positioned it for an exciting future.

"Rugby league has given me opportunities I could only have dreamed of, experiences that cannot be compared and I have made friendships for a lifetime.

"It has been an honour to be part of the rugby league family.

"The NRL is in a strong position - strategically, commercially and in how it is governed.

"The game doesn't stand still, and it shouldn't. The game means so much to so many and the future of rugby league has never been more exciting."

Abdo said there was "never a good time" to step down from such a high position, but had faith that V'landys would bring "stability" in the short-term.

V'landys also confirmed that Abdo would remain part of the broadcast negotiation process