V'Landys sets timeframe for NRL executive chairman decision

With Peter V’Landys set to become the NRL’s interim executive chairman next week, the experienced administrator has confirmed he'll use the time to decide whether he goes for the role on a full-time basis.

With NRL CEO Andrew Abdo announcing his departure from his position in May after six years in the competition’s top job, it was confirmed V’Landys would become the competition’s interim executive chairman having taken leave from Racing NSW to do so.

That combines his role as ARLC Chairman and Abdo’s job, which he’ll serve for the next four months.  

While there have been some contenders emerge to fill the void left by Abdo, there has been traction behind the idea of the Racing NSW chairman serving both roles in a full-time capacity.

Whilst the NRL’s constitution states that the CEO cannot be a director of the ARLC board (which V’Landys is currently), there is a clause that allows directors to create a position within the NRL that has a similar power, which has been viewed as a potential way to solidify the position.

It would also allow the board to circumnavigate the clubs to approve it, with any change to its constitution needing 16 of 17 NRL clubs alongside the NSWRL and QRL to approve it, should he decide to take up the position.

Speaking about the possibility of becoming the executive chairman, V’Landys noted that it will be a tough decision regardless of what he decides to do but will do so during his time in the position.

“As far as me stepping in, I'll step in for the next four months to look at the organisation, make sure that we're cost-effective, make sure that we're producing the revenues we need,” he told SEN’s Kick Off.

“Then I'll make a decision during that four months if I want to take the role on permanently.

“I've taken four months off my current position (as Chairman of Racing NSW). Naturally my board here at Racing New South Wales would like me to stay here as well.

“It's a decision I have to make, and I'll make that in the next couple of months, but it's not an easy one.”

Abdo’s final day in charge as NRL CEO will be on July 15.